What file format does an ipod use, and can I load songs using Windows Media Player?

Ipod uses aac and mp3. You cant load songs using wmp, but you can use your wmp songs if they arent protected.

When you download and open itunes (do it free at apple.com) It will search your computer and add music to it. It will also convert your wma songs to aac. If the music is protected, because you purchased it online, then it wont convert and you will have to burn those songs to a disk and reimport them.

I highly suggest you change the default of itunes from aac to mp3, though. Every program, including itunes and wmp uses mp3. Only itunes and ipod uses aac.

You can do this in itunes by going to edit/preferences/advanced/import.

AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, WAV, and AIFF