Can another newbie chime in...?
I feel I have to jump in on this thread, as I can really relate. The first thing that I wanted when I signed-on with Linux was to get the tunes streaming, like I enjoyed for my $4.95/mo with msn under Windows. I use RedHat9, and Gnome, and clicked on the Sound & Video-->Audio Player icon, and XMMS opened right up for me, pre-installed. I had to figure out how to insert the URL I wanted, but the music hasn't stopped since. Free!!!
I read your post, switched over to KDE ( which I have never used), followed the same S&A-->Audio Player links, XMMS opened right up, I clicked on the right arrow ( play), and the music is streaming. I don't understand why you had to install XMMS, nor do I see any Preferences, etc. options...? You may be referring to some other program? Which Linux are you running?
I'm having a great deal of difficulty with DVD ripping, gettting the video set up was a trial, but audio was just right there, not quite instantly, but definitely no-tears... ?
-Allen