Beginners Guide

From SqueezeboxWiki

1 Introduction
2 Whats it all about?
3 Where to go next?
4 Other Online Resources

Introduction

This set of Wiki pages is intended to introduce the new user to the joys of SqueezeCenter (formerly known as SlimServer before v7) and Squeezebox. It is particularly meant to cover all of those things that you might not immediately realise, especially as a beginner.

However, the world of the Squeezebox and SqueezeCenter moves amazingly quickly - new versions of software appear literally every night - so don't be surprised if this relatively static area doesn't quite answer your question. If in doubt, you are always welcome at the forums.

It should also be noted that this is NOT an attempt at a full documentation of every command and option. There are too many to mention, they change quickly, and anyway why don't you just try it? This IS an attempt to help people get started - once you've got going, you can work out the rest yourself, reading the Slim FAQ, by exploring the forums, or by asking questions there. Don't forget to search the forums before you post - there is a very good chance your question has already been covered.

This being the internet, there is also a near-infinite supply of other useful information resources. A few are identified below!

Whats it all about?

This is all about getting music, conveniently and at high quality, to where you want it. The music comes from either (a) your own library of digitised music on a computer of your own or (b) a wide variety of internet radio sources. It will typically go to one or more of the Squeezebox family of hardware players from Logitech/SlimDevices, although you can also use a variety of software players such as SoftSqueeze.

A common setup is to have a normal home computer (Windows, Linux or Mac), with an internet connection, the SqueezeCenter software and a collection of music stored on its disc. This computer is then connected by a Network to a Squeezebox, which plugs into your normal home audio system (as if it were a CD player, say).

See http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_overview.html for an overview of the current models (standard Squeezebox, display-less Squeezebox Receiver, Squeezebox Boom (with integrated speakers) and audiophile Transporter).

You can then play any of your music library - making your choice through a web-based interface on your computer, a remote control pointed at the Squeezebox, or a Squeezebox Controller.

For the internet radio option, you can either use your own local server (as above) to make the connection, or - especially if you want to access internet radio stations without your PC being turned on - you can use the SqueezeNetwork service.

There are of course LOTS of variations on this theme; some of which will be discussed here, others you will dream up for yourself.

Where to go next?

You will find a page which takes you through all the steps for getting started at Beginners' Overview. This will take you through finding a computer, setting up the SqueezeCenter software, and getting a suitable music library going.

Beyond the Overview page there are several pages which go into more detail of various aspects of the system, and for ease of access the main ones of these are listed here: