It looks like the first link above is actually an article about installing the linux Operating System (OS) onto an ipod. The second link looks a little more in the right direction, however instructions will vary based on the linux OS (GtkPod should work and installs directly from the repositories for Ubuntu for example).

What "distro" (name of the Linux version installed on your computer. i.e. Redhat, Mandrake, Ubuntu, etc.) are you running?

I very highly suggest Songbird. It's based on Firefox. After ou download it go to there addons page and install the ipod plugin. Now tell Songbird where your music lives by going to edit then preferences, the manage music. I manage my iPod using Songbird. It supports itunes playlists. You can add album art. You can create playlists. It's pretty darn neat little program.

I know this tread a little old But I use Ubuntu and have tranfered files to my ipod !

Unlike using windows with Ubuntu I can delete certain MP3s off Ipod with out them showing up on ipod later

example... I deleted about 25 MP3's off my Ipod Nano with windows vista and when I went to go use Ipod they titles still showed up but the songs still were gone ! I used Ubuntu to fix that problem !

I'm still fairly new to linux even though I have messed around with it a few times in the past 10 years !
But if you are serious about doing more on your PC linux has way more options than Windows !
Ubuntu is the easiest one I have used so far it has a windows looking platform actually kinda like a mac in some ways too ! I first got Ubuntu when I read this tread https://geekdrop.com/content/help-make-your-old-pc-run-newer-one

I-tunes is currently not supported by linux (dont try installing it Linux by itself will do a better job )