I’ve just finished my first day at my new company, and beyond the extraordinarily organized orientation process, I found something interesting very comforting — they had iTunes pre-installed on my computer. Like many companies, this one does not let all users install software on their computers, so having iTunes meant that I didn’t have to ask an IT person for it and feel like I was being frivolous and wasting their time.

But, that’s not really the “connecting” part. I didn’t exactly arrive with my CD collection in tow. Yes, I still buy CDs. I could have used the radio feature or just listed to music on mySpace — but instead I was able to listen to the iTunes collections of other staff members. And I must say my new co-workers have great, and eclectic, taste in music!

The shared music feature isn’t one everyone knows about, because you have to on a network to really see the point. Since, like so many social media tools, it only tells me the screen name the person entered I don’t know who the music aficionados are, but I can’t wait to find out and compliment them on their taste and thank them for sharing their music.

Not everyone opts to do this, iTunes has privacy settings so you can decide what you feel like sharing with those around you. There is no way to copy or save other people’s music, as that would violate the myriad of DRM and copyrights that are in place — but as long as their computers are on and they have iTunes open I have access to a great collection of music that ranges from Glen Miller (what I’m currently listening to) to Crystal Method!

Hopefully, I’ll be able to get hooked back in on Last.fm, another great way to get connected through music, so you can follow along with me in the future!

[Update: 8/29/07] Apple is making a “big announcement” on Sept. 5, 2007. Look for new iPods, possibly with fancy iPhone style touch screens.[/update]

[tags]music, itunes, first day, last.fm, apple[/tags]