How to install iOS 5 on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad

Welcome to the world of tomorrow. Apple's feature-filled update to its mobile operating system, iOS 5, will be available to download today. Here's how to install it.

Before all that, make sure you have a compatible device. iOS 5 will install on the following gadgets: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S; third-generation iPod touch and fourth generation iPod touch; iPad and iPad 2. Got that?

Also, to get yourself in the mood you might want to take a look at our feature on the ten hottest new features of iOS 5 for iPhone and iPad.

Once you've got your favourite iOS device in your hand, grab yourself an up-to-date version of iTunes, an Apple USB cable, a cup of cha, and this very handy step-by-step guide. Ready?

First up, we'll want to create a full backup of the device so we can restore all of our apps, data, bookmarks, and save games once iOS 5 is installed. iTunes should be creating backups every time you sync up, but just to be sure let's do one right this second to get the most up-to-date save state of our iOS device. Plug your device in to your PC or Mac, load up iTunes, and find the iDoohickey in the left-most column under 'Devices'. Right click and choose 'Backup'. This should be quick, but it might take a little longer if your gadget is full to the brim with data.
Now we need to ask Apple for the update. Click the name of your device and choose 'Check for Update'. If the Big A has uploaded the final release version of iOS 5 to its servers, a pop-up will appear asking you if you'd like to install it. Obviously, click the big old 'yes' button. This is a sizable file, so it will take some time for it to come down the pipes. Have a little break and make yourself a cup of tea. We'll wait.
So far, so iOS 4. But this new operating system has some extra steps that Apple's older updates lacked, so grab your iOS device, unhook it from iTunes, and gaze at the new setup wizard. Slide to set up, baby.
You'll now be shepherded through a couple of boring setup questions. Plop in your language and where you live. You'll also want to set up wi-fi, so tap your router and insert your relevant passcode to get online. If you're unable to connect right now, don't worry: just tap 'Next' and we can hook up to the net in the Settings app later.
Now here's a big step. You can either set up as a brand new, fresh-out-of-the-box iOS device or grab your old system settings, apps, and save games from before. If you're going for a clean install, go to Step 6. We, on the other hand, absolutely want to get our old stuff back - mostly because we'd blow a flipping gasket if we had to play through all the old Angry Birds levels again. So we want to restore from a backup. If this is your bag, jump to Step 7.
Okay, you've got a few more screens to go before you're ready to start using your new device. You'll want to either sign in to your Apple ID or make a new one (the instructions are pretty straightforward), and then choose whether or not you want iCloud. You can always turn it on or off later, so don't sweat it. You'll also be asked whether you want to turn on Find My iDevice and Location Services - two more features that are pretty cool, but can always be turned on or off from the Settings app in the future, so don't worry too much about making the wrong choice. Finally, Apple wants to know if you'll send them diagnostics reports if your gadget crashes. This is useful information for the Cupertino company, and if you're at all interested in seeing iOS devices become even more stable in the future we recommend hitting 'automatically send'. And you're done! Enjoy iOS 5!
Okay, we definitely don't want to lose our Real Racing 2 garage, so let's revive an old backup. Presumably this is your first time using iOS 5, so you haven't made a cloud backup in iCloud yet. Instead, tap Restore from iTunes Backup and you'll be asked to plug your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad into your PC or Mac. We've got the classic 'Restore from back-up' screen, now. The most recent save state should be automatically selected, so make sure the little round radio button is checked and hit 'Continue' to restore all your old junk. This could take a while. Once it's done you'll get some of the same questions as Step 6, but some might be removed depending on the information your backup already has about you. Those are Find My iDevice, Location Services, Apple ID, iCloud, and diagnostics. And you're done! Enjoy iOS 5!

Build the ultimate digital music jukebox

Included with every copy of Windows Vista and free to any Genuine Windows XP user, Windows Media Player 11 isn't just the newest version of the world's most advanced multimedia storage and viewing program.

It's also the ultimate solution for music lovers looking to assemble, catalog, and enjoy a collection of digital audio tracks that'll have even the world's most acclaimed DJs and recording artists turning green with envy.
Ready to rock and roll? Here's how to get the most from the greatest hits from yesterday and today.

Why Windows Media Player 11?

Windows Media Player 11's sharp visual display proves beauty isn't just skin deep.
Not only does its gorgeous front-end give you a simple way to organize and navigate your music, pictures, and videos. Playback controls are also larger and easier to locate, and enhanced search functions make finding digital audio faster than ever.
Several improvements are highlighted in the image below.

Do more with Windows Media Player 11's intuitive interface.

• Playlists: Instantly build personalized song playlists by clicking the Create Playlist link. Enter a name for your new set, then drag and drop the tracks or albums that you want to include.
• Navigation pane: Customize your view of your music library by selecting one type of media at a time. Music is the preferred default, with photos, videos, recorded TV, and additional content also available.
• Rip, burn, and sync: Activity tabs give you one-click access to commonly used functions. Each also features a drop-down menu with additional options.
• Online stores: MTV's URGE is Windows Media Player's featured provider, but you can additionally choose from 15 other popular services including Napster, XM Satellite Radio, and more.
• Searching: Windows Media Player 11 simplifies library management with its Instant Search feature. As you type, the player shows results that match your query.
• Details pane: View your music library here. The stacking feature in Windows Media Player groups items according to relevant characteristics (genre, rating, etc.) with a file's thumbnail icon for easy identification.

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6 ways to add music to your collection

Adding songs or broadcasts to Windows Media Player 11 is easy. To do so, simply employ one of the following options:

• Rip or copy tracks from existing CDs, with several popular file formats such as WMA, WAV, and MP3 supported.
• Import existing music from your PC.
• Stream radio broadcasts online to enjoy Top 40, Jazz, Country, New Age, Alternative, and other themed programs any time.
• Purchase individual hits or entire albums and download them on-demand using MTV's URGE. The service features more than two million chart-topping tunes from all your favorite artists.
  
  Online services like MTV's URGE, PureTracks.com, and Wal-Mart Music Downloads let you rock around the clock by downloading songs on demand.
• Shop additional online stores such as Napster and eMusic by choosing Browse all Online Stores, accessible by right-clicking on the Online Stores tab.
• Synchronize with a portable device. Most MP3 players, for example, are recognized the second you plug them in.

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Organize your collection

Start by clicking on the Library tab.
You'll immediately notice albums are represented as large thumbnail photos of album art, rather than textual descriptions. These images make finding the songs you want, when you want them, easier than ever.

Songs and CDs are now represented by stunning album art.

Note Album art and information is automatically downloaded when songs are added to your library—no technical know-how needed. However, should you wish to change anything, you can always go back and add/update art or grab and edit song and album information at your leisure.
To sort tracks, click on the appropriate icon underneath the Library sub-heading on the left-hand side of the screen. You can sort tracks by:

• Recently Added
• Artist
• Album
• Song
• Genre
• Year
• User-Assigned Rating

Right clicking on the same Library subheading and selecting Show More Views lets you access even more options including:

• Contributing Artist
• Composer
• Parental Rating
• Online Stores
• Folder

From within each of these catalogued views, it's possible to further arrange tracks by length, rating, title, album, release date, and other common classifications. Just click on the appropriate category located at the top of the screen.
Then simply arrange music by Playlists to allow multiple users and devices (each can have its own playlist) to share in the fun, or customize your individual listening experience.

Searching is simple: Type, and results immediately pop up.

Finding tunes to add is easier with the new Browse and Search functions.
Tip: For the quickest results, start typing the first few letters of the artist name, album, or song title that you're seeking into the Search Bar. With a few keystrokes, it instantaneously appears.

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Play your music

If you can dream it, you can do it with Windows Media Player 11. A huge range of choices are available for your listening pleasure.
Examples include:

• Playing CDs on your computer complete with colorful visualizations that are great for entertaining guests at any house party or watching while getting ready to go paint the town.
  
  Music comes alive through a huge range of customizable graphic visualizers.
• Using the Burn tab to create your own audio or data CDs, ready to be taken on road trips (sing-along, anyone?) or passed on to friends as fun pick-me-ups and birthday presents.
  
  Burn your own personalized CD samplers.
• Sharing tunes across a home network, so you can jam along in the shower or out on the deck during barbeques.
• Streaming tracks to your Xbox 360 or a digital media receiver, letting you bump beats from your living room TV—always handy during dinner parties.
• Copying specific songs, playlists, or shuffled selections to portable devices for on-the-go enjoyment, letting you get down at the gym, during your morning commute, or while flying to some exotic destination.

Windows Media Player 11 can be incredibly user-friendly and is capable of putting audiophiles more in control than ever. If music's your passion, rest assured Windows Media Player 11 proves the perfect encore.

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