itunes solution
Here's what I have found to work the best:
Set up a shared folder on a PC or Mac on an in house network & set the permissions to read only. By setting to read only, other users cannot modify your itunes library in any way, but can burn from it. Add all your songs with to that folder with itunes by using the import feature.
PC Sharing (XP): Right click on the desired folder and click sharing and security.
Mac Sharing: Get info on the desired folder & go to permissions. (Make sure appletalk is turned on in your preferences.)
In itunes preferences, go to advanced, and set it to your target folder.
Connecting to your music folder:
Mac OS X: Connect to server: apple+K
smb://computer or server name/
PC: If your target folder is on your network: Go to my computer, find your network drive with your target music folder.
Probems: With OS X 10.2.8 I have found that if you are not connected to the shared folder/server, your chosen folder will revert to the folder in: users/user name/music/itunes. I have to update this every time that I start up my G4. Then, itunes will automatically update your library. This probably won't happen with a PC.
Then you will get this message:
Would you like itunes to move & rename the files in your new music folder to match the "Keep itunes Music folder organized" preference? Click no, as your music files should already have been organized by itunes when you added them originally.
So before you click on a song to play it, make sure that you reset your preferences/advanced itunes music location folder.
Adding music files:
Open the shared folder and drag & drop right into itunes. Or go to file/import. Only the administrator can add new music.
I hope this helps.
JPatrick
G4 400
OS X 10.2.8
1.06 Gig RAM
80 GB Baracuda | 10 GB Maxtor
