iTunes is software created by The Apple Company that was launched on October 16, 2003. iTunes is a digital media player application distributed exclusively by Apple. iTunes is compatible with several operating systems including; XP, Vista, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. One of the distinguishing features of Apple iTunes, is built-in online music store called the iTunes Store.http://www.apple.com/itunes/what-is/

In addition to archiving and playing audio and video content, iTunes is also used to load media files onto Apple's iPod, iPhone and the iPad. The software is available in many different languages including Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish.

As with most Apple products, iTunes is constantly being updated. The latest version of iTunes is Version 10, which was released on September 1, 2010. Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced the release of this version during a keynote address on that date. During the speech, he also released an updated version of Apple TV and the iPod.http://www.apple.com/hotnews/

1. Play back or rip audio from CDs.
2. Subscribe to and view podcasts.
3. Purchase music and videos online.
4. Load media to an iPod, iPhone or an iPad.
5. Internet radio.

One of the biggest features in the new version of iTunes is Ping, a social application that allows users to follow their favorite musical artists as well as their friends. Users post their music interests, comments and recently played albums for others to see. The Recent Activity tab shows the iTunes purchases of friends to introduce users to new music they might like. Ping can be accessed from within iTunes on the iPod Touch and the iPhone.http://www.apple.com/itunes/ping/

iTunes 10 also offers individual television shows for rental for 99 cents an episode. Once purchased, the episodes remain available for 30 days and, once started, can be finished within 48 hours. The rented episodes can be viewed on the iPhone, the iPod Touch, Apple TV or a Mac or PC computer.http://www.apple.com/itunes/whats-new/

iTunes 9 has added improved and completely new features to the software. Some of the new features included in this upgrade are a redesigned layout, improved iPod or iPhone managing capabilities, and more effective sharing of an iTunes library throughout a home computer network.http://www.apple.com/itunes/whats-new/

One of the most noticeable changes is that the browser is now a column on the left-hand side of the media library. This is changed from the three-column view above the track listing. This view is a default setting, it can be changed back to the previous three-column view if selected. Another addition to the column browser is the ability to add composers and groupings to the lists of music along with artist, genre, and album.http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/instant-expert-secrets-features-of-itunes-9/

Another feature to be upgraded in the iTunes store, which has a new layout for iTunes 9. In addition to the visual changes, there are changes in the search feature allow you to refine a search by media type. Also, one click purchasing is now featured, as opposed to adding to the cart and checking out.http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/instant-expert-secrets-features-of-itunes-9/