Q: I'm having trouble updating my ipod! It's an older version ... not sure exactly what kind. I have no option for 'software update' in my settings - genteral menu.

To update

The Settings>General>Software Update comes with iOS 5 and later.

Connect the iPod to your computer and update via iTunes as far as your iPod model allows

iOS: How to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

A 1G iPod can go to iOS 2.2 via iTunes and iOS 3.1.3 via

Purchasing iOS 3.1 Software Update for iPod touch (1st generation)       

https://buy.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZFinance.woa/wa/touchLegacyLandingPage

- A 2G to 4.2.1. Requires iTunes version 1o or higher. If a Mac it requires OSX 10.5.8 or later.

Identifying iPod models

If your iPod does not have an internal speaker and does not have volume buttons on the upper left edge it is a 1G and those can only go to 3.1.3