Numerous people are finding out that music is not the only thing that can be stored on their iPod and are using their iPod for data storage as well. The device, with its built in memory system, can be used to transfer files from your work computer to your home system, and with the proper adaptations can work between Mac systems and Windows.
One advantage is that if you are carrying sensitive or business critical information, very few would look for it on your iPod. While it still plays music you install on it, creating a separate file for using your iPod for data storage makes it difficult for someone else to recognize the information. Additionally, you can password protect that file. However, if you forget the password the information is lost, as you cannot recover the password when using the iPod for data storage.
Using your iPod for data storage, you can transfer digital files between systems and store sensitive information on your unit instead of on the computer hard drive. You can also store backup files. Organizing your files is also simple just as if you organize your music on the iPod. You can use the Finder to locate files that do not contain music and you just want to carry around with you.
Files Will Hide When In Music Mode
The file area containing your music files will not be visible in the Finder and your data files are not shown in iTunes, keeping the two types of files separate. However, when using the terminal connection for management of your iPod for data storage you could accidentally corrupt music files and you would have to download them again.
Using your iPod with a dock system, you can find other valuable ways to use your iPod for data storage such as shopping lists, phone numbers and directions when traveling. By entering the information and then saving the text files you can access the information while in the store or driving.
When your iPod is connected to your computer, searching for removable media will bring up the iPod. If you want to use your iPod for data storage simple drag and drop the files you want to store to the iPod drive. How much information you place on the unit should be fully considered as it will interfere with the amount of music you can, which is probably why you got it in the first place.
