Itunes 7, why the change? :( Options

[96bluevert]

ok, I know Itunes 7 has been out for quite a while now, but I havn't needed to use the newer versions for a couple years now cause I hate thier prices in the online store . Anyway, I got a couple of gift cards for the online store for Christmas so I decided to start buying from them agian (until the money on the cards runs out at least lol). So of course I had to download the new Itunes 7 to be able to purchase, that's no problem. But when I hook my ipod up to the computer it automatically syncs and tries "updating" my ipod, which I don't want. I have too many good songs that arn't backed up on either of my computers . As with the previous version, I figured all I'd have to do is go to the "options" and "sync" and there would be a check box to make it so I would only be able to update manually. But nope, there's not that option any more.

So my question, is there a way to have itunes up and switch to the "manual update" option w/out having the ipod plugged into the computer? I know there's way when it is plugged in, but if I plug it in it will automattically start updating, which is kind of stupid on Apple's part to make such a change I mean come on, I just want to add 4 songs to my ipod without going through a grat big hassel. Help is greatly appreciated.Thanks!

[96bluevert]

ok, thnks for the help. I guess the "updating" didn't actually erase my songs on the ipod after checking the box. I just plugged it in and took a chance to see what would happen after I waited for the update to be completed and THANKFULLY nothing is gone and I can manually update the ipod again.