Problems with iTunes

I am an iPod, iPad, and iPhone user and I have converted all of my CDs to MP3 format.  I use iTunes to store and play my music.  I am comfortable with the format and it generally has worked well for me.  For the past 6 months to a year, I have been having problems with it constantly crashing when I add new CDs to it or if I edit labels.  Does anybody else have a similar problem?  I don't know if it is because I have too much music on my system or if it is an iTunes problem.  As far as I can tell I am on the latest version.  I've tried troubleshooting on the Apple website, but have not found anyone with a similar problem, and the only "Solution" that seems to be offered is to make sure you have the most recent edition, which I have.  I'm starting to think that it is time to switch to a different music player, but it would have to be one that is compatible with Apple products.

It's weird.  After I convert a new album, I hit shift-ctrl-n to create a new playlist.  This might work 2 or 3 times, but on the 3rd or 4th try, I get the spinning wheel and then iTunes shuts down.  I usually restart and go on my merry way, but it is annoying.  The same think happens when I purchase digital downloads and add them to iTunes.  Those are worse though, because I usually end up editing the descriptions (I don't like when they say (Live) or (demo) or crap like that.  I just like the song title).  If I download a live album with 20 songs that say (live) on them it might shut down 3 times while I am editing out the (lives).  As I said it is mostly just annoying.