Is there an alternative to iTunes?

Is there any freeware that works for loading music onto iPods? I'm getting fed up with iTunes. It keeps losing my music, or the files get corrupted somehow and won't play in iTunes or on the iPod. It's useless at loading photos onto new iPods.

I have OSX and XP, and use the iPods with both, but XP with the music on a USB HD is the most convenient for me.

How OSX becomming more like iTunes is a good thing is beyond me.