Frequently Asked Questions

The questions below represent the most “frequently asked questions” that we receive about iTunes @ VT.  If you do not see your question listed below, you can contact 4help@vt.edu for more assistance.

What do I need to use iTunes U?

You need to download the most current version of the iTunes software.

You need a browser to authorize your access. You can point the browser to http://itunes.edtech.vt.edu.

In addition, you will need a Virginia Tech PID and password in order to access restricted materials.

Do I need an iPod to use iTunes U?

No, you do not need an iPod to use iTunes U.

If you do have an iPod or other portable media device, the files from iTunes U can be transferred to the hardware using whatever software you used previously.

No portable media device (including iPod) is required at all. All of the multimedia files can be played using the iTunes software directly on your Windows or Macintosh system.

Once downloaded within iTunes, the content can be found within the iTunes folders on your system. Within the iTunes folder, you will see a folder for "iTunes Library"

Where can I download iTunes?

You can download the most current version of iTunes from http://www.apple.com/itunes/download.  You will need iTunes in order to be able to view the iTunes U site in the Apple Store.

How do you login to iTunes U?

To log into iTunes U, point your browser at http://itunes.edtech.vt.edu.  You will see a login screen, where you need to choose “University Access” if you have a Virginia Tech PID and password or “Public Access” if you do not. 

Once you click on that link, you should see a page that says “Being redirected.”  The iTunes software should launch and take you directly into the Virginia Tech iTunes U site.

Are you unable to access iTunes U?

If you are unable to access iTunes U, be sure that you have done the following three things on your system.

• First, be sure that you have an active connection to the Internet.
• Second, you must have iTunes installed to access iTunes U.
• Third, your browser must be configured to accept “itmss://” links and to associate those links with the iTunes software.

How do you configure your browser to launch iTunes U?

Currently, Firefox is the only supported browser for using iTunes U.  This browser is available for free download at http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/.

The other common browsers – Safari and Internet Explorer (versions 6 and 7) – should also work with iTunes.  However, the documentation below specifies use of iTunes U with Firefox.

iTunes does not open and there is a popup window with an “External Protocol Request” after I login.

If iTunes is installed on your machine, but you are unable to access iTunes U using Firefox, and you see a blank popup page with 'External Protocol Request' in the title after logging into iTunes U, you will need to follow these steps in order to tell Firefox to launch iTunes.

If iTunes is installed on your machine, but you are unable to access iTunes U using Firefox, and you see a blank popup page with 'External Protocol Request' in the title after logging into iTunes U, you will need to do the following steps to tell Firefox to launch iTunes.

1. Open a new tab or window in Firefox
2. Type itmss:// in the address bar
3. You should get a External Protocol Request dialog that shows the choices "Launch Application" and "Cancel" along with a checkbox to "Remember my choice for all links of this type."
   
4. Check the box next to Remember my choice for all links of this type.
5. Click the Launch Application button.

iTunes does not open and there is nothing asking you to launch application.

If you are using Firefox and iTunes does not open AND you do not see the 'External Protocol Request' error, you will need to do the following:

1. Open a new Firefox tab or window
2. In the address bar, type about:config.
3. When the list of configuration properties comes up, type itms into the "Filter" text field and hit Enter.
4. You'll see one or more of these four items:
• network.protocol-handler.external.itms
• network.protocol-handler.external.itmss
• network.protocol-handler.warn-external.itms
• network.protocol-handler.warn-external.itmss

The first two, if they exist, should be set to true, the second two to false. You should be able to just double-click on the “true/false” entry to toggle the value.

How do you use the iTunes software?

Apple provides an overview of the iTunes software here: http://www.apple.com/support/ipod101/tunes/.

Who can create content for iTunes U?

Only faculty have access to post materials onto the iTunes server.  Primarily, instructors are intended to be the creators of course content.  There is room, though, for instructors to have a course project with students creating content.  The instructor would need to be responsible for reviewing and posting this material.

If you are an instructor and would like access to the iTunes U server, please contact Eddie Watson (edwatson@vt.edu) to get started.

How do you create content for iTunes U?

There are several software packages available for creating *.mp3 or *.aac files that are ready for use by the iTunes system.  In order to find out more about creating content for iTunes U, you can:

• Sign up for an FDI course on Podcasting (http://www.fdi.vt.edu/)
• Contact the New Media Center for one-on-one help. (http://www.nmc.vt.edu)