What is a PodCast?

A PodCast is a digital media file, or a series of such files, that is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and/or personal computers.

A PodCast is also a specific type of webcast which, like 'radio', can mean either the content itself or the method by which it is syndicated; the latter is also termed PodCasting.

The host or author of a PodCast is often called a PodCaster. The term "PodCast" is a portmanteau of the name of Apple's portable music player, the iPod, and broadcast[1]; a "pod" refers to the iPod, and "cast" to the idea of broadcasting.

Specifically, PodCast means, Portable OnDemand broadCAST.

In other words, a PodCast is a collection of files (usually audio but may include video) residing at a unique web feed address. People can "subscribe" to this feed by submitting the feed address to an aggregator (like iTunes - software that runs on the consumer's computer). When new "episodes" become available in the PodCast they will be automatically downloaded to that user's computer. Unlike radio or streaming content on the web, PodCasts are not real-time. The material is pre-recorded and users can check out the material at their leisure, offline.

Though PodCasters' web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their content, a PodCast is distinguished from other digital media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically, using an aggregator or feed reader capable of reading feed formats such as RSS or Atom.

Certain PodCasts can even be live and interactive. Dozens of PodCast enthusiasts can be on at once, with the "host" being able to control their audience in the same way a radio host can.

To listen directly on your computer, go to the channel that looks interesting and scroll down the page to find the PodCast you wish to listen to. There will be a button that says listen now.

Click on the listen now button. A new page will come up with a player. When the player loads, simply click on the play arrow next to the player and the PodCast will play.

How do I subscribe?

At the top of each post that tells about the PodCast there is a “subscribe” button. When you click on the subscribe button it will take you to a page that will allow you to choose which PodReader you would like to subscribe with.

Simply click on the PodReader of your choice and follow the instructions. Thereafter your PodCast will be delivered to the reader every time there is a new episode for you to listen to at your convenience.

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PodCast Potpourri     2008