Music Stutters, lags & pops...?

[rars222]

I've posted this before - hopefully someone might have another suggestion. When I play mp3's, stream radio, or even watch video snippets online, my computer seems to lag and cause the sound to stutter and whatnot.

I have a p4 2.4 w/ 400fsb
Intel 845WN mobo
MadDog Multimedia "Predator" 5.1 sound card (but this also occurs with onboard sound)
Currently I have 2 desktop speakers and a sub
1 gig Ram
Win XP Pro SP2

and have a bunch of security related programs in the background...
Zone Alarm
Norton Internet Sec
Norton Antivirus
Spybot S&D

Does anyone know where I should start "looking" for the problem? I uninstalled and reinstalled drivers and whatnot...I upgraded my CPU to 2.4 and added another stick of 512Ram. I also replaced my power supply with Antec Truepower 430W...

I've also tried to watch the CPU load to see if there was a pattern. It wasn't immediately obvious??

 

[Dropkickmurphys]

some of the online stuff maybe to do with your internt connection and your security.....dont know abou the others though

 

[rars222]

I don't know. It's always about the same regardless of online connection or mp3 playback from HD.

BUT I am open to suggestions

 

[mega10169]

What player are you using to play the mp3's?

 

[rars222]

random. I primarily use iTunes, but it happens on WMP too.

 

[backseatgunner]

The stuttering and poping is probably due to a bad cable.