My iMac G4800 (512 ram, 10.3.9) has developed an intermittent irritating clicking/popping sound when playing audio, specifically iTunes and RealPlayer (the only two audio apps I use). This first occurred about six months ago, after a couple of years of playing flawlessly. I cannot discern any pattern to the appearance of this phenomenon, and although it only happens occasionally it has become a regular feature. Closing the app and re-opening it doesn't make any difference, but restarting the computer does make it go away.
This isn't a major issue for me, more an irritaton, but any advice on how to resolve it would be welcome.
NB I think this is best in this forum rather than Applications as it does seem to be a system thing.