Newbie seeking help with winamp

[umich fan]

I have a few questions concerning the winamp software. Recently, I switched from using an ipod touch to Sony video walkman. Since switching, it's been somewhat frustrating in searching for a software that's easy to use (media player 11 is complicated to use). So here I am, and so far I've been very pleased with the free version of winamp. The problem I've been encountering, though, is that my internet security software, Panda, keeps blocking winamp from loading up at times - so my question to you is: are there known viruses or spywares that's embedded in the software? Also, I have over $100 worth of itunes music and can't seem to figure out how to enable them to transfer to my Sony walkman; anyone experiencing the same problem? Lastly, is it worth upgrading to the pro?

[homes32]

Originally posted by umich fan
are there known viruses or spywares that's embedded in the software?

NO NO NO NEVER!
you may have to add Winamp to your firewall exceptions as occasionally Winamp does connect to the net to download artist info/send annon usage data (if you enable it)/access the gracenote CDDB/etc

Originally posted by umich fan

Also, I have over $100 worth of itunes music and can't seem to figure out how to enable them to transfer to my Sony walkman; anyone experiencing the same problem?

if they are protected/DRMed .m4p you are out of luck. Winamp will never play these. a quick Google search may give you some useful information on how to convert them to something usable.

if your problem is not with playing the files but with actually getting them to transfer to your walkman you need to use the ml_sony plugin (http://www.atraclife.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=13&t=1528)


Originally posted by umich fan

Lastly, is it worth upgrading to the pro?
if you want faster ripping and burning and more encoding options.

[gno-wave]

it appears that AVG finds possible viral threats in winamp, BUT io must say too that i dont think anything harmful has happened, and likewise in seondlife.com stuff
i cant add any more, but will watch this with interest

[J_Darnley]

Update AVG then. A couple of weeks ago it started getting a false positive detection on zlib.dll.

[umich fan]

After doing more research on the crash issue, it's not really my antivirus software causing the erratic behavior of the program (I've allowed winamp to run via my firewall preferences); it turns out for some reason winamp keeps crashing whenever my Sony walkman is plugged to the pc. And it's not just with Sony, I've read on this forum as well as on other sites that other MP3 players are being affected too, namely ipods. I really don't understand why, if it hasn't already been addressed by the company, the crashes hasn't bee fixed. I really like winamp and wouldn't mind upgrading to pro, but if the problem isn't fixed, what's the point? In the meantime, it's back to Sony's own media player software. :(