Icecast

Sharing various files over the Internet can be done in a multitude of ways, regardless if pictures, music or videos are involved. Besides using for this purpose one or more dedicated online services, we can start something quite similar on our own.

More precisely, thanks to a specialized utility, it is possible to transform any PC into a source of entertainment, for example. In case you want to let everyone know what song you're currently listening, you can go beyond a plain status that is displayed inside an instant messenger or on your online account used for socializing.

A tool like Icecast can help you let everyone actually hear what is currently playing in your speakers or headphones. This streaming server software comes with a simple front-end and even it may seem a bit difficult to use for some users, after spending a couple of minutes with the documentation, things will become more clear.

There is an option to install the server as a service, right after the installation finishes, but you can skip that if you prefer to run it as a regular program. Also, it is possible to have the server start automatically with the main application.

The configuration for Icecast can be done by editing an XML file that contains all the settings for each parameter of the server. You won't have to search for that document manually, just access the 'Configuration' menu from the main window and use the edit function available in there to have this file brought up.

To keep a close eye on the performance of the server, you can check out the 'Global Statistics', which include all the data regarding listeners, clients, files and their corresponding connections.

Icecast may prove to be a good option for anyone who wants to share their music with their friends. It only takes a bit of reading to have it up and running properly.