Backing up iTunes from Mac to External Hard Drive

[IWT]

Friends

It is easy, but hugely time consuming, to back up my iTunes, including playlists etc, on to DVD - currently eight of them.

How can I undertake same back up with same preservation of playlists etc directly on to an external hard drive? This should be so much faster. Do I need special software?
Grateful thanks.

Ian

 

[skybolt]

You can follow these instructions from Apple, bus just don't delete the original if all you want is a backup: iTunes for Mac: Moving your iTunes Music folder

 

[IWT]

iTunes back up

Dear Mary

I am most grateful to you for taking the time to read my query and to respond. I shall proceed as suggested. At least no harm can come from it if I'm careful and hopefully I can save the 75+ minutes it takes to copy my iTunes library/playlists to DVD.

I am most obliged to you.

Ian