If I copy my Itunes Music Library to another computer, will it be
playable by iTunes.
Will the original library "know" that a copy has been made? For
example, will the original library decrement the number of remaining
computers I can run it on?
Can I end up with a library that cannot be transferred to another computer?

PS: this is not about piracy, I have 3 houses and 3 ipods.

Hi jim2003,

Here you go - 

If I copy my Itunes Music Library to another computer, will it be
playable by iTunes. YES

Moving Your Music Library to Another Computer:
"You can play songs purchased from the iTunes Music Store on up to five computers."
http://www.apple.com.au/support/ipod/tutorial/t10b.html

>>>

Will the original library "know" that a copy has been made? For
example, will the original library decrement the number of remaining
computers I can run it on? NO

iTunes doesn't "remember" how many copies you've made, rather it
remembers your accounts. When you go to load the tunes onto a new
computer, it will verify to make sure it is one of your five
authorized computers in your iTMS account.

Deauthorize purchased songs on your old computer
"But you need to authorize each computer on which you want to play the
songs. The first time you play a song that you?ve purchased, your
computer becomes ?authorized? to play all the music you?ve purchased.
If you're not using your old computer, consider de-authorizing it. Go
to the Advanced menu and then choose Deauthorize Computer. If you
forget to Deauthorize the computer, and no longer have access to it,
contact the iTunes Music Store customer support team using the web
form on Apple?s website.
http://www.apple.com.au/support/ipod/tutorial/t10b.html

>>>

Can I end up with a library that cannot be transferred to another computer? NO

In your case, with three computers, you'll have two authorizations
left. If you ever end up with five computers, you will always be able
to deauthorize one of the computers and move the library to a sixth
computer.

>>>

INSTRUCTIONS Step-by-Step

Moving Your Music Library to Another Computer:
Use your iPod to transfer music to another computer.
   1. Select your iPod in the iTunes source list, click the iPod
Options button, and then choose the option to Manually manage songs
and playlists.
   2. Look at the bottom of the iTunes window to check the amount of
free space available on your iPod.
   3. If the amount of space used is greater than half the total
space, you'll need to delete songs from your iPod by selecting them
and pressing the Delete key on your keyboard.
   4. Go to the Advanced menu and choose Consolidate LIbrary. This
will make sure that all music on your computer is stored in the same
place.
   5. Quit iTunes and then locate the iTunes folder. On a Mac you'll
find it in the Music folder in your Home folder. On a PC you'll find
it in the My Music folder inside the My Documents folder.
http://www.apple.com.au/support/ipod/tutorial/t10b.html

>>>

Additional Link of Interest

" Just select multiple songs in iTunes, and drag them OUT of iTunes
and on to your desktop or a new folder. Done. Now drag that to a new
computer on your network, and you're done as well."
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20040510193418462

I hope this is what you were hoping for. If you have any questions or
if I've misunderstood your question, please post a clarification
request before closing/rating my answer and I'll be happy to reply.

Thank you,
hummer

Google Search Terms Used:

itunes copy to another computer

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Request for Answer Clarification by jim2003-ga on 24 Dec 2004 16:29 PST

OK... this looks solid.. let me leave this open for a day or two and
try some of this out. That way I can ask a followup if I need a little
bit more help...

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Request for Answer Clarification by jim2003-ga on 24 Dec 2004 16:30 PST

PS: I won't take answers from anyone else at this point.

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Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 24 Dec 2004 16:37 PST

Hi jim2003,

That's fine, take your time, I'll look forward to hearing how you make out.

Happy Holidays,
hummer