videodrome,

Digital music distribution is awesome, you're going to have a lot of fun with it.

For a file server, I found this company: www.open-e.com They provide hardened, linux-based file server software on either a USB or IDE flash module. Very easy to install and use.

I'm using Sonos to distribute digital music throughout my home; seven zones, two controllers, works with internet radio, Rhapsody and Pandora, incredibly easy to set up and use.

I also use Exact Audio Copy and AccurateRip. I'm about 75% done ripping my CD's(150GB so far). All I have to do after that's done is edit the tags and download album art, which will probably take longer than the ripping.

Good luck and have fun,
Tony.