Apple releases iTunes 9
When the program is installed and launched for the first time, it will initially run a few routines on your library to update it and also analyze it for gapless playback information. The new welcome screen contains information and resources for using iTunes, with video tutorials and sections for obtaining podcasts, songs, and other media iTunes can play.The main window brings some slight changes, with the option to put the genre/artist/album browser to the left as well as on top, and there is a small triangle in the upper-left of the song list to show album artwork in the list. The interface has a shinier appearance overall, but there is no major change to the overall look and feel of the program.Before updating, be sure you have a backup of your iTunes library files, which include the following:iTunes LibraryiTunes Library Extras.itdbiTunes Library Genius.itdbiTunes Music Library.xmlIn addition, be sure to back up your music, since past iTunes updates have deleted some files or the whole library for people. While my update went smoothly, it's always best to be safe about your data. A full Time Machine backup should be sufficient, so if you have Time Machine running then you should be good to go.iTunes 9 is available at the iTunes Website and so far has not appeared on Software Update. Currently the iTunes download link is having problems, but Apple should address it soon.iTunes website troublesScreenshot by Topher Kessler for MacFixIt/CNETWhile Apple is striving to promote 64-bit computing and has ported most of their applicaitons and system components to 64-bit, iTunes is still distributed as a 32-bit application. This is most likely because it is one of Apple's few cross-platform application, but should sooner or later find its way to being 64-bit along with the rest of the iLife suite. Oddly, the iTunesHelper utility is 64-bit.iTunes is still 32-bitScreenshot by Topher Kessler for MacFixIt/CNETQuestions? Comments? Post them below!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
