iTunes

• When you open iTunes, if there is a new update available iTunes will prompt you with a box and inform you of a new release. Click the "Download Now" button and follow the update wizard to receive the latest iTunes update. If your iTunes will not open, you can download the latest update from itunes.com.
  
  

iPod

• When you connect your iPod and open iTunes, unless you have disabled the feature iTunes will inform you of new updates available for your iPod. Click "Download Update Now" and follow the update wizard to install the latest firmware for your iPod.
  
  

Importance

• Most updates to iTunes or your iPod will be minor upgrades for security issues, however some updates will install new updates. If an update introduces a new number, such as iTunes 8 updating to iTunes 9, you can expect many new features, such as improvements to the user interface.
  
  

Time Frame

• Anytime an update is released, you will know when you open iTunes or connect your iPod to your computer, unless you disable automatic update checks. Make sure your iTunes is set to automatically check for updates and you will always have the most recent version installed.
  
  

Manual

• If automatic update checks are turned off, you can manually initiate an update by clicking "Help" from the menu at the top of your iTunes and clicking "Check for Updates." If any updates are available, iTunes will prompt you to install them. This checks for updates for both iTunes and your iPod.