• Your iPod can be managed by several different programs.ear buds image by Darrell Sharpe from Fotolia.com
  
  If you own an iPod, iTunes is the software that manages the content on the iPod. Once you purchase an iPod, setting up the iTunes is how you can configure it, so most people find it easy to use and continue to do so. However, there are other options to managing your iPod should you not want to use iTunes.
  
  

Anapod Explorer

• Anapod Explorer runs only on Windows, not on Mac. It does support all iPod's from the shuffle to the touch. It can also store and play MP3 files, AAC, WMA, Video files, and those from audible.com. It is compatible with the iTunes store should you want to download. You can use it to copy files from and to iPod's as well as playlists of music and as a PDA.
  
  

Songbird

• Songbird is free and can run on Windows as well as Mac and Linux systems. It is not compatible with iTunes, so you will have to purchase or move music and video from somewhere else. It runs several different types of files, including MP3, AAC, and WMA.
  
  

EphPod

• EphPod is another free program that you can use to play what is on your ipod. It only support MP3 and AAC's. While they do not claim that they are iTunes compatible, some user reviews suggest that they are. It also can keep track of playlists and outlook contacts as well.
  
  

iPodRip

• IPodRip is an affordable option and compatible with both Windows and Mac. It supports all iPod models and all iPod file types. It is also compatible with iTunes and can copy files from iPod's, playlists, and can edit song information.