Re: 1 iTunes, 2 users, fast user-switching, and 2 iPods=chaos?

In article <260720051137136364%ask@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Slipface
<ask@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> In article <1121911051.fbf440d69c756519c5c19b01e66ad1d8@teranews>, Tymp
> <collins.timothy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> > Perhaps more effective and manageable than establishing a third account
> > is the solution of sharing the iTunes music folder itself, which is
> > different from sharing via iTunes. This makes the source data (the
> > actual music files) completely accessible to multiple users.
> >
> > To accomplish this, move the Music folder from your user folder to the
> > Shared folder. Then create a symbolic link to the newly shared folder
> > within each user's folder.
> >
> > Because iTunes is capable of managing unique iPods, this solution will
> > accomplish what you desire with the added benefit of your wife having
> > the requisite privileges to add to and modify the shared library.
> >
>
> Thanks! The only problem (?) with my setup is that all of my music is
> on an external drive. Can I create a shared folder on that drive? Is
> there any thing special about it, or just a matter of setting the
> priveleges a certain way? If so, then I could move the music folder
> into it, and go from there.
>
> _d

That¹s not a problem, but it means that may want to do just a little
more tinkering to make it work smoothly.

If you and your wife are going to share one library and have all the
same playlists, ratings, etc., you¹ll both need to use the same iTunes
Library file as well as the same music folder. If you take a look at
~/Music/iTunes, you¹ll find the iTunes Library file. This is where
your library data exist and, unless you¹ve already moved it, it¹s
stored separately from your music.

For you and your wife to have identical iTunes experiences, you¹ll both
need access to a single library file. Because iTunes will always look
in ~/Music/iTunes for the library, I recommend moving your Music folder
to the external drive, and replacing it in your home folder with a
symbolic link to the new location. Place a similar symbolic link in
your wife¹s home folder, replacing her Music folder. Then, it¹s just a
matter of setting permissions such that you both have full access to
the linked Music folder on the external drive.

- Tymp
.

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