# Icecast documentation

## Icecast 2.4.4 Docs — Introduction

### What is Icecast?

Icecast is a streaming media server which currently supports Ogg Vorbis and MP3 audio streams. It can be used to create an Internet radio station or a privately running jukebox and many things in between. It is very versatile in that new formats can be added relatively easily and supports open standards for commuincation and interaction.

There are two major parts to most streaming media servers: the component providing the content (what we call source clients) and the component which is responsible for serving that content to listeners (this is the function of icecast).

### What platforms are supported?

Currently the following Unix platforms are supported:

- Linux (Most flavors including Redhat and Debian)
- FreeBSD
- OpenBSD
- Solaris

Currently the following Windows platforms are supported:

- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
- Windows Server 2003
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows Server 2012

### Where do I go for questions?

There are many ways to contact the icecast development team

Best Ways:

- Icecast mailing list http://www.xiph.org/archives
- Icecast Developers mailing list http://www.xiph.org/archives
- Icecast IRC chat room - irc.freenode.net : #icecast