Use iTunes Better: iPoditude.com’s guide for getting the most out of iTunes

- Always listen to a song all the way through: Don't be tempted to skip the end. I know your fast-forward finger starts to twitch during that long fadeout, or that last couple of seconds of silence. but just be patient. The reason is that this allows the play count to update (in both iTunes and your iPod). Not only does this let itunes know which songs you like, but it also keeps your playlists that depend on 'play count' or 'last played' criteria accurate.

- Make lots of playlists, especially smart playlists: I get bored when I listen by artist or song so it's always great to put on a playlist that will keep the songs flowing free and keep you guessing what's coming next. You can make Smart Playlists that dynamically update and constantly change by adding in 'last played', 'play count', or 'date added' criteria.

- Show browser and search bar: They don't take up much screen real estate but help to navigate your library easily. Take advantage of these great tools in iTunes.

- Use multiple windows: It's very handy to have the current playlist in one window, your library in another, and the iTunes music store in a third. View the detailed how-to for more information on opening multiple windows in iTunes.

- Update your ID3 tags: ID3 tags are a way to provide additional information for each of your songs. Artist, song title, and album name are obvious (and essential) ID3 tags. But you can store a lot more information for each song, and by doing so, you can navigate your music collection in precise and creative ways. Add a genre to your songs so you can listen to all of your Irish Lounge Emo while drinking martinis. Input the year of release so you can listen those golden oldies from the 80's during your next bike ride.