iTunes and Your iPad

To activate your iPad and load up yourcontent (e.g., music, pictures, videos, and more), you will need to connect the device to the iTunesapp on your computer. The iTunesapp is also required to backup (and later restore) your iPad.

If you don't have the iTunes app, or you are not sure if you have the latest version, then you will have to upgrade. Connecting your iPad to the iTunes service for the first time will activate or tie your iPad to your Apple ID. Once you do that, you can buy songs, movies, books, and just about anything else right from your iPad or in iTunes on your computer.

Install or Update iTunes on Your Computer

If you see a screen on your iPad showing a USB plug pointing to iTunes, then you need to connect your iPad to the iTunes app on your computer (see Figure 1-3).