The basic requirements for podcasting are a computer, podcasting software and a high-speed Internet connection. To take your podcast with you, an iPod or any MP3 player is also needed.
According to Wikipedia, "Podcasting is the practice of making audio files available online in a way that allows software to automatically detect new files and download them." Technically, this is accomplished using "RSS 2.0 news feeds" to provide information about a collection of audio files in MP3 format.
Using software like iPodder or Apple's iTunes you can get your PC to download new podcasts whenever they are released.
To begin, download and install podcasting software onto your computer. Though every application is different, there are generally directions to "add" a podcast feed (usually just as simple as copying and pasting the podcast URL into your podcasting application). There are various software programs that can be used to download and access podcasts. Some Podcasts are free to download, but limit the number of podcasts you can subscribe to. Still other podcasting programs are available for a small fee.
(We recommend iTunes)
www.apple.com/itunes
www.iPodder.org
www.iPodderX.com
www.jPodder.com
Podcasts use a type of code called XML. Some XML can be displayed in a web browser, but not podcasting. You must use the URL in conjuction with your desired podcasting software.
Once you susbcribe to a podcast the most recent episode will be downloaded to your computer. However, since podcasting is a subscription service, you can download the archive of podcasts. You will need to manually select and download these.
There is an arrow next to the podcast, which is pointing to the right. If you click on that arrow, the arrow will rotate so it is pointing down, and all the past episodes will be displayed.
|