How does one get the best possible quality sound out of a laptop computer?

Reality is that we all have an increasing amount of audio in a variety of sound format and quality on our computers/ipods. Leaving the file format "quality" debate (and the question whether it makes sense to try to get good quality sound from a computer file) aside in this thread, I would like to know how to get the best quality sound from a computer to my speakers.

The only thing my laptop has is a jack, and of course we all know how good that is.

I would like for music in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc. to come from a central computer. So it would ideally be able to separate each room out (no use in playing music in the bathroom while in the kitchen, etc.)

I have no need for surroundsound or things like that. Just music.

Should I go for a firewire solution and if so which? Are there any other solutions? Should I combine different hardware (as integrating an amp)? Which way do I go?

Thanks in advance.