[robbien]

I have my iTunes library on an external FireWire drive. If disconnect my FireWire drive, the location of my library changes in the preferences to my local drive. If I connect my iPod to my computer when my FireWire drive is disconnected, will it copy its contents to my local drive when updating? I don't want this is to happen. If this is the case, does anybody know of a work around?

[Appleman]

No. You cannot copy the content of your iPod to your Mac, only the other way around. (well, you can by using "tricks").

If your external disk is disconnected, iTunes simply cannot play the songs.

When reconnected, it "sees" the songs again, and can play them.

When you connect your iPod to your Mac, you can play the songs from your iPod through your Mac.