dumb iPod question

If you have an iPod, do you *have* to use iTunes with it? And next dumb question, iTunes won't impose any kind of DRM restrictions on mp3s that weren't purchased through iTunes, will it? Can iTunes deal with mp3s, or only mp4s? Don't have time to google this at work...

I'm glad I got that flu shot, as everybody who was at the NBDA benefit on Sunday seems to be dropping like little dancing flies. Apart from the exhaustion that is to be expected from three performances over the weekend and not enough sleep the past two nights, I feel fine. Knock on wood.
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