How I use one iTunes library with two computers.
 

After obtaining the iPhone 2.0 update and downloading the "Remote" app that allows remote control of iTunes via the iPhone, my mind went a-whirl. I already had AirTunes set up so that I could play music from my computer over the speakers in the den.  The only problem is that my iTunes library is on my laptop, and to have maximum use of the Remote app and AirTunes, I'd have to leave my laptop on at all times.

What I wanted to do, instead, was have my desktop computer use the same iTunes data as the laptop, but without the laptop being on.  Also, I wanted to have my "main" library on the laptop, because I take it with me to my office and like having all the data there.

This, obviously, created a challenge.  Here's how I worked around it.

First off, I have an external hard drive (actually, two for more security) on which I keep backups.  Thus, I already had a copy of the iTunes library on that hard drive.  This simplifies things a great deal.

Here's what I do:

First I use the laptop for ALL purchases and loads from disk.  The laptop drive is ALWAYS the latest-greatest version.  I NEVER buy or load music onto the desktop computer.  This means that wherever I go with the laptop, I am current and up-to-date.

Next, to get the tower to have access to the library, I compromise and accept the last backup as an adequate approximation of the latest-greatest.  With the backup drive(s) attached to my desktop--the normal, day in, day out arrangement--I launch iTunes holding down the "option" key. (For Windows users, this is done holding down "shift.)  As iTunes launches, it asks me to pick a library.  I browse to the backup drive, to the backed-up iTunes folder and select the "iTunes Library" file, which is an iTunes database file.  When iTunes finishes loading, the backed-up library is listed.

Cautions:  If the backup drive(s) is/are not attached, launching iTunes will prompt you to pick a library.  You can always switch back.  Likewise, you may have to re-select the library after subsequent backups.

My RelevantSystem Specifications

Laptop:
OS 10.5.4
iTunes 7.7

Desktop:
OS 10.4.11
iTunes 7.7

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