Preface

This book explains how to install, configure and manage an audio server. It focuses primarily on a streaming audio tool called icecast, yet it also discusses other related applications that manage audio encoding, streaming, and format conversions. It explains in copious detail how to setup and manage a fully functional audio server for streaming both live and static audio files over the Internet.

All applications listed in this book have been tested on Red Hat and SUSE Enterprise Linux releases. These same programs should be fully functional on derivatives of these same releases as well as on other flavors of Linux. For example, there should be no issue running the same applications on the free releases of Red Hat and SUSE, i.e. Fedora Core and SUSE Professional. Many have reported running icecast, ices and similar audio tools on Debian, Gentoo and similar Linux flavors with no problem. Other Unix variants such as FreeBSD and Solaris should also work well with icecast.

The instructions presented here were documented using the most recent releases, patches and software of their respective Linux distribution. Most applications outlined were built directly from source, though in some instances binary and RPM packages were available for download and use. Since performance is often a serious consideration when deploying a streaming audio solution, building applications from source generally yields the best results. If you do not have the time, desire, or need to compile these applications yourself, the pre-built packages should install and operate without trouble on most systems. This includes Linux, FreeBSD, and Solaris systems along with Windows platforms. This book outlines the necessary steps to compile all applications from source for most Linux distributions. Consult your favorite Linux news source for further information regarding source compilation and installation. Icecast binaries are available for download for the Microsoft Windows platform. Instructions for running icecast on a Windows platform are included. If the programs mentioned in this book require additional dependencies those libraries or needed applications are also explained and their use examined.

Links to all applications and their respective web sites are listed throughout the book and at the end of each respective chapter. Appendix A provides a list of all audio-related terminology. Appendix B contains a compendium of all software programs and applications referenced. Check the referenced software sites regularly for the latest updates and information regarding their use. Many of the programs are under active development and new versions are posted frequently. Some applications may require an update with the release of new Linux versions.