I'm trying to get an Apple set-up exclusive for processing mp3 music in all types of iPhone's and iPad's.. Every time I get one working it updates itself, then suddenly it doesn't work for processing music in anything.. Why?..
Do I need an Apple ID email address to use an Apple computer..?

Is there a way to block Apple computers from auto-updating/upgrading..?

I don't get an Apple ID.. They want too much of my personal private information.. Is that why something wrecks the OS..? Is it an Apple-law that I must have an Apple ID to use their stuff..? I shouldn't have to give 'a pound of flesh' to use a darn computer..

That's ten Apple notebooks that don't work now with iPhone's and music.. God save us from the rotten apple tree...

OK, so this time someone tossed out an 'Apple iMac 21.5" Desktop Intel' in super condition.. I grabbed it up at the curb.. Seems like a nice computer.. Then two weeks ago I manged to get an Apple keyboard and mouse for it from a garage sale for 5-bucks each.. oh yay...

Now I need to reset the thing to factory.. I don't want to make any dumb mistakes with this one.. What's the best approach and technique to get this thing properly reset, and working with music in iPhone's, iPod's, and iPad's..?

Will "mintyMac-1.5-Mate ISO" work in this thing with iTunes and iPhone's..?