iTunes blah

Posted in: technology. Tagged: linux, itunes, amarok, rant

I finally persuaded one of my brothers to move to Linux. I explained that he would be able to continue using Firefox, Thunderbird, CD/DVD burning. I waxed lyrical about the benefits in terms of reliability, virus-protection, ease of updating etc. I showed him all the software, and in particular the Gcompris and KDE Education suites.

I warned him that there were issues connecting third party hardware (GPS, Phones etc), but he could see the benefits and felt able to cope with them.

Then:

• Q. “Will it work with my iPod?”
• A. “Yes, really well - I have mine working in Amarok - no problem at all.”
• Q. “Will I still be able to use iTunes?”
• A. “No, but there are some great music players on Linux.” (slight feeling of trepidation)
• Q. “Do they link up to the iTunes website?”
• A. “Eh, no” (I can see where this is going)
• Q. “Is there an alternative comparable download site?”
• A. “Yes I think Napster is similar” (hoping I wouldn’t be proved wrong)
• Q. “Presumably I can transfer all my iTunes purchased music over to Linux?”
• A. Silence (except for the thumping as my head hit my desk repeatedly)

Yours somewhat depressed.