Play video on your iPod

First step for 1G and 2G iPods
If you are installing iPodLinux on a first-generation or second-generation iPod, you need to first make sure the correct version of Apple's iPod Updater is installed on your PC.

The iPod Updater software dated 2004-11-15 is the latest version of the iPod firmware that makes iPodLinux installation possible on your 1G or 2G iPod. Later versions of the iPod Updater won't work, so make sure the Updater is dated 2004-11-15 or earlier.

Follow these steps to find out if you have that update installed.

1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add Or Remove Programs.
   
   
2. Scroll down to iPod Updater and make sure the date listed is 2004-11-15.
   
   
3. If there are newer versions in your Add Or Remove Programs list, you'll need to uninstall them to complete this project.

4. If the 2004-11-15 updater isn't on your computer, you can download it from Softpedia.com.

1. Download the iPod Linux installer from SourceForge.net.

2. Create a new folder on your desktop named iPod Linux Installer.

3. Extract the files from the ZIP package you downloaded. Save the files to the iPod Linux Installer folder you created on your desktop.

4. Connect your iPod to your computer.

5. Open the iPod Linux Installer folder on your desktop. Double-click the ipodlinux-installer.exe file to run the installation program.

6. The iPod Linux Installer window should launch. Click Next to begin the iPodLinux installation wizard.

7. The next window lets you select the OS your iPod will load each time you turn it on. We suggest selecting the radio button next to iPodLinux, then clicking Next to continue.

8. The next window allows you to make a backup of your iPod firmware in its current state. We also suggest making that backup so that you can restore your iPod to its current state if you decide to uninstall iPodLinux. Check the box next to Yes, then click Next.

9. After the backup is complete, click Next to begin the iPodLinux installation.

10. Click Finish to exit the installation wizard.

11. Disconnect your iPod from your computer. Your iPod should reboot automatically.

Take a moment to poke around Podzilla and see what it has to offer. You'll notice a similar look to iPod's official firmware, but with additional features and menu options.

Because the iPodLinux installation created a dual-boot system, you have the option of switching to Apple's iPod firmware at any time. Simply hold down the menu and play buttons simultaneously to reboot your iPod manually. As it reboots, hold the rewind button down. That will boot the original iPod firmware.