I’m not a big music nut, but I have to admit even I’ve been curious about the iPod (especially when combined with the possibilities presented by the iTrip >:). However, given both of my computers run Linux, I’m going to need a Linux solution to synch it.

Fortunately there are several intrepid hackers out there not afraid to jeopardize a rather expensive piece of equipment just for the satisfaction of getting open software to work with a closed platform. In fact, a simple Google search for “ipod linux” brings about a plethora of possibilities. There are also two ways to proceed; you can be satisfied in getting the iPod to synch, or you can install Linux on the iPod itself.

To get synching to work, check out one of these sites. Both are very thorough, and contain additional links to software such as gtkpod to handle the synch process.

If you’d like to go all the way and install Linux on your iPod, check out the Linux on iPod project. This one appears to be more for the challenge, hobby, or spite than for any practical reason, but hey, more power to ya if you want to try it.

And these are just the beginning. Follow the Google link above and you’ll find hundreds of sites offering similar information, including synching with other *nix platforms and tools and utilities to expand the capabilities of your iPod.

Closed? Proprietary? Not for Linux Fanatics it’s not!