a new mac user

[Arthur Pirika]

Hi there, I've been on this list, once before, way back when tiger first 
came out. However, now with leopard and all it's new features, I'm 
reevaluating. My friend just got a mac, and I've been helping her, based on 
what info I can pick up, especially from blind cool tehc. Thanks, mike! 
<smile> Anyway, i have a few questions. First, what do people reccomend as a 
good player? I know itunes works quite well, but any other suggestions for 
good players? VLC media player, perhaps? Also, here on my windows laptop, i 
have two sound cards, and use the machine for internet streaming. What are 
good soundcards to use with a mac, and what software is out there for 
streaming to icecast servers in particular?
Lastly, what about a good IM program? Particularly one that can connect to 
all of msn, aim, jabber, etc?
oh, lastly, does mac have an ftp client built in?

TIA,
Arthur.