I've been playing with Linux for about a week - since my Win XP Pro died for the LAST time! 

Initially, I tried FreeSpire form its LiveCD.  But when I tried to run Amarok, it hogged all of my PC's resources.  Everything just came to a complete halt - except the sound.  Sound played - but with many breaks and interruptions.  So I installed ubuntu (latest version - from their website - I don't recall the ver.) and have almost the same problem.  The music plays somewhat better, but the interface still continually freezes, from anywhere from 10 seconds to more than a minute.  This happens mainly when I click on any of the widgets on the player , or on the playlist.  It also occurs while listening to an FM radio/streaming audio.  Very frustrating.

All of my music plays flawlessly with the standard players included in my distro (rhythmbox, movie player).

Can anyone here suggest fixes to this?

Thanks.

Bob Hendry
Southern Maryland