Hi I want to buy a iPod but I was wondering if the only way I can get music is by itunes or am I able to put my own music that I have downloaded on it

You sure can: Copy CD to iPod - Add songs from CDs to iTunes - Ripping CDs in iTunes - Adding CDs to iTunes (http://ipod.about.com/od/gettingsongsoffyourcds/ss/ripping_cds.htm)