03/28/2008 Internet

TuneRanger makes it easy to synchronize two or more iTunes music and video collections over a network. It supports iTunes libraries and playlists on computers running Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X allowing you to sync any combination of PC and Mac. TuneRanger can also merge, copy, backup, and sync iPods via USB or Firewire. TuneRanger includes many useful tools to verify and cleanup your iTunes library, remove orphans, manage duplicates, and restore or remove disconnected files.

Install TuneRange

It is always good practice to disable anti-virus software temporarily before installing all new software. Click here to download free TuneRanger.

1. Double-click on the installer to launch;
2. Follow the instructions on the Installer.

TuneRanger has two components: a Client and a network enabled Server. At one point the installer will ask whether you want to install the Client only or the Client and Server on each computer.

At a minimum you will need to install the TuneRanger Client on every computer you have iTunes installed and the Client/Server combo on the computer with your "main" or "reference" iTunes Library. All the clients will then connect to the server computer.

If you want instead to be able to synchronize all "remote" computers from a central location you can opt to install the Server on all your computers. This setup lets you connect and synchronize any computer while sitting in front of any other computer instead of going to every remote computer one by one and connecting the one server.

The installer will place shortcut icons on the desktop that will make it easy for you to activate the software and purchase additional licenses.

Firewall

TuneRanger Clients and Servers communicate with each other in a network using port 10564. A TCP/IP port can be thought of as a "channel" over which all copies of TuneRanger communicate with each other. If not set properly firewall software can interfere with this communication.

Typical firewall software will ask you if you want to block or unblock a newly installed application from gaining access to your network. This may happen during installation or at first launch. Make sure you grant TuneRanger network access if asked.

If your firewall software does not ask or if you have problems with TuneRanger Server discovery or communication you may need to program your firewall manually. This usually involves manually adding TuneRanger and/or port 10564 to your firewall exceptions list. Please refer to your firewall"s documentation for specific instructions on how to ensure individual programs and ports are allowed access to your network.

The port number can be changed in the TuneRanger preferences but it you change it you must remember to use the same number on all instances of TuneRanger client and server.

Routers and the Internet

TuneRanger is designed to work primarily within your internal network. The TuneRanger clients will automatically discover the names and addresses of all TuneRanger Servers within a class C address space typical of most small business and home installations. This means that when used in a class-C network you will not have to remember computer names or IP addresses in order to connect to a TuneRanger server.

If you want a TuneRanger client to communicate with a TuneRanger server outside a class-C network or over the Internet you will need to enter the target server"s IP address in the "Connect to Remote" dialog box manually.

Accessing a remote TuneRanger server over the internet is possible but beyond the scope of this document. You will need to know your home"s public Internet IP address and you will need to configure your router to forward port 10564 to the internal IP address of the PC hosting the TuneRanger Server.