Can using your computer for other purposes while you're encoding introduce artifacts or glitches in the mp3 output?

If so, which is worse, tasks that are more hard-drive intensive or tasks that are display-intensive? I'm using LAME 3.91 with RazorLAME if that matters.

MP3's will not have more glitches or artifacts if you have your computer doing other tasks while you encode.

Perhaps you are thinking of CD ripping. Certain read modes in certain CD ripping programs require your computer's resources to be as free as possible. AFAIK, if you use EAC's secure mode, you don't need to worry about this.

In short, do whatever you want while encoding your MP3's. The encoder takes very little RAM, and if you set RazorLame's priority to idle, it shouldn't interfere with your current tasks, and you can let your MP3's encode in the background without worry.

On the other hand, MP3 playback can glitch if your system is busy. This won't affect the file, though.

I wouldn't be too sure of that.

4 days ago I was encoding a Britney Spears song into MP3 while putting a heavy workload on my computer. (Okay, I was watching porn. But it was quite heavy porn)

Later when i tried listening to the song, it was weird. It was nothing like Britney Spears and quite spooky. I couldn't make out any "real" sounds and definately not Britney, but I swear that someone was trying to say something behind all the swirwling sounds and noise.

Right when I was finished hearing it, the phone rang...

It seems I've got 3 days left.
(Movie recommendation: Rent "Ringu". Scared the crap out of me somehow)

Serious answer: No, workload does not affect the quality of the encoding process

Thanks. Porn and Britney Spears ... seems redundant.