Before setting off on a trip, you can make sure your technology is ready to go with you. It’s useful to have an iPod Touch or an iPhone with you while traveling, because there are many useful applications for travelers. Jailbreaking, also known as unlocking, your iPod or iPhone is useful if you need to use your phone internationally with different carriers or if you need to install some applications onto your device. Jailbreaking your device is easy with some free software that is available to iPod and iPhone users in the comfort of your home or office.

Prior to beginning the process of unlocking your Apple product, you should backup the information on your device on iTunes. This is just in case the power goes out or something goes wrong technically. It is important to remember that Apple does not advocate unlocking devices, rather they discourage it so doing so will nullify your warranty if it hasn’t already expired anyway.

Whether you are a Windows or a Mac user, the unlocking process is easy and nearly the same, with only some differences. Mac users need to download the latest Pwnage Tool or redsn0w, while Windows users only have the option of using redsn0w. Plug in your device to your computer, and then you can install either of these programs. You will need to download an IPSW file so that iTunes can update your Apple device. Be sure to have the correct IPSW file that matches the version installed on your device.

After you install and run the new software, the Pwnage Tool will tell Mac users that it can not find a “firmware bundle”. You’ll be asked if you would like to search the web for the file. When this happens, click no and instead show it where the IPSW file you downloaded before is. You can find the IPSW file on your computer by clicking “Expert Mode” at the top of the page. That way you can browse your computer and find the location of the file.

Find the file, click next and Pwnage Tool will take control and start unlocking your iPod Touch or iPhone. This step will take some time, and you may need to restart your iPod or iPhone a few times for the changes to be complete. Most or all of the information from your device may have been deleted in the process, so your final step will be to restore the backup you made earlier on iTunes.

Every time you choose to update your phone or iPod after unlocking it, it will return to its factory settings and you will have to jailbreak it again and repeat the above process. After unlocking it, you should also keep in mind that security is still important for an iPhone or iPod Touch, since you will be downloading various applications and your device will look appealing to those who come across it. There are some effective ways to keep your iPod Touch or iPhone secure with a few extra precautions.