August 25, 2004

Jim Rossman is your Tech Adviser offering you advice and tips for computer hardware and programs. Helpful links are included. Jim Rossman is desktop support manager for The Dallas Morning News.

Question: I use a Macintosh computer and recently had to reformat my hard drive and reinstall everything because of a crash. The problem I am faced with is my MP3 collection. I carefully ripped my entire CD collection and now those files are gone from my Mac.

I do have about 90 percent of the MP3s on my 40GB iPod.

When I reinstalled iTunes, I connected my iPod, but the computer won't let me drag the songs back to my iTunes library.

Are my songs stranded on my iPod?

C.B., Dallas

Answer: No, your songs are not stranded. They are just behind a locked door.

Apple disabled the ability to copy songs from the iPod to the computer to appease the recording industry by showing it was doing its part to cut music piracy.

Apple didn't want the iPod to turn into a vehicle for moving music from computer to computer.

Just because Apple didn't include the feature doesn't mean you are prohibited from moving your music wherever you like.

Third-party developers have released utilities to move music from the iPod to any computer you want, which is legal if you bought the music you are moving.

I've used PodMaster ($8) and iPod.iTunes ($36). Both of these and many more can be found at www.versiontracker.com.

Once you get there, search for "iPod" and you'll have many choices. Look at the prices – some are free – and features, and be sure to read the user reviews.

Not only will these programs move the songs, but they also will keep them organized by artist and album by creating the necessary folders during the copy.

Windows iPod users can have this functionality as well with programs such as iPod Access for Windows ($10) and iPod Music Liberator ($15), also available at Versiontracker.com.

Remember, as it says on every iPod when you open the packaging, "Don't steal music."

Question: Is it possible to have two cellphones with the same number?

S.D., Arlington

Answer: Yes, it's technically possible to have the same number on two cellphones. But if they were both powered on, the system would likely reject the second phone.

When you power on a cellphone, the phone and nearest tower make a connection to establish who you are and where you are. This status is constantly monitored in a database so the system knows where to ring you when you have a call.