Designed for the Mac, the iPod has proved remarkably versatile: it can be used with Linux or MS Windows and there has an amazing range of applications. The catch is that, while Macs can read Microsoft formatted media, MS Windows can't read Mac OS X formatted media. Earlier generations of the iPod were available in Mac and Windows versions, but the Generation 4 (G4) iPod comes with Apple's HFS+ as the default format. Windows users need to reformat G4 iPods to FAT32. Linux has very limited HFS+ support and users have the same problem. FAT32 is — presently — the only format that can be read by all three operating systems. O'Reilly's iPod & iTunes Hacks explains all that and how to go about reformatting.

The book has 100 hacks that include an astounding range of things that can be done with an iPod. If you are into gadgets, an iPod is worth looking at for Windows. Some of the hacks are straightforward advice that does not require any special knowledge or skills to implement. Others require knowledge of scripting, some hands-on experience in electronics (but not necessarily at expert level), or a willingness to experiment. This book explores the versatility of the iPod to the nth degree.

Linux users should read it. Apple may have never intended the iPod to run Linux, but users report that installation is easy. There are instructions on how to build a Linux music server with Linux, and how to broad-
cast on FM to your car stereo. A fascinating read. Don't miss it. iPod & iTunes Hacks is worth recommending to your local library.

Hadley Stern: iPod & iTunes Hacks ISBN 0-596-00778-7 Published by O'Reilly, 433 pp., RRP $44.95 incl. GST