By Graham K. Rogers

When Apple updated iTunes recently, the main panel was considerably tidied up. Instead of tabs to each of the media sections (Music, Apps, et al), there was a single pane with access to the different media types via a button.

As different users have different needs, the menu revealed by that button could be edited and certain items added or removed. For example, in Thailand, there are no TV Shows available via iTunes, so I do not need that item in the menu. My list on the MacBook Pro that I use on a daily basis includes Music, Movies, Podcasts, iTunes U, Apps, Tones and Internet Radio. I have deselected TV Shows and Audiobooks. Music cannot be removed from the list.

Although not listed in any of the menus, there is quick navigation between each of the sections, including those not in the pull-down menu. Using the Command key plus numbers, iTunes will switch quickly to a new media panel:

1. Music
2. Movies
3. TV Shows
4. Podcasts
5. iTunes U
6. Audiobooks
7. Apps
8. Tones
9. Internet Radio

Quick access to Apps, therefore is effected by selection of Command + 7. Shared Libraries is not shown as a panel and there is no quick command for access. In addition, Command + 0 hides and shows the main iTunes panel. This command is shown in the Window menu.

Graham K. Rogers teaches at the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University in Thailand. He wrote in the Bangkok Post, Database supplement on IT subjects. For the last seven years of Database he wrote a column on Apple and Macs. He is now continuing that in the Bangkok Post supplement, Life. He can be followed on Twitter (@extensions_th)