Need A Nerd - Ask us anything techie

Podcasting: Radio for the new Millennium

Ever heard of podcasting and wondered what it is all about? Today I’m going to show you how to get informed and excited by a new take on some old ideas.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is way for people to access audio and video shows via the internet. Someone can create their own show about their favourite hobby, topic, general news or anything else people are interested in and record that show as a video or audio file kind of like a TV show or song and share that show with the world.

Like TV and radio shows, podcasts usually come in episodes on a regular basis, say every week, and feature one or more presenters covering the shows topic. More and more great shows are being launched every day.

Why would I want to follow a podcast?

Because podcasts are usually based around a single topic they are a great way to keep up with news and developments about your favourite hobby, sports team, celebrity, author, whatever!

Unlike a TV or radio show, you “download” the podcast to your computer, MP3 player, iPod or other portable device and can listen or watch to the episodes on-demand and on the go.

You can also set your podcast watching software to inform you of new episodes and other shows you might like, automatically download the new episodes for you, connect with other listeners and fans and even start your own podcast.

How does it work?

The creator of the podcasts records their content on their computer and edits it, ready for distribution. Audio podcasts are usually sent out as MP3 files and videos as MPEG, essentially as files anyone can open and enjoy.

It is then loaded onto a website which uses web feeds, usually RSS, to distribute the new content out to all users that have subscribed.

How do I subscribe to a podcast?

You will need some software capable of the subscribing to the web feed. That might sound intimidating but many common programs already have this built in such as Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Google Chrome, iTunes and Windows Media Player. I recommend iTunes for beginners, available from www.itunes.com for free.

You don’t need an iPod or MP3 player unless you want to listen on the go.

Firefox and Internet Explorer will also let you listen or watch the podcast directly on the website that is providing it by clicking on the link to the podcast file.

You will also need to find a podcast on the internet you want to subscribe to. Podcastnz.com provides listing of locally flavoured content and iTunes has a host of podcasts available under “Podcasts” in your library.

Many websites allow you to follow along, look for a “Subscribe to this website” or similar link on your favourite sites. When you click on it you will be asked if you want to subscribe and given a choice of settings for the way you will receive the content.

Firefox, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome will allow you to bookmark the subscription page to get updates at the click of a button, while iTunes & Windows Media Player will automatically download the new content for you.

Firefox and Internet Explorer will also let you listen or watch the podcast directly on the website that is providing it by clicking on the link to the podcast file.

Learn more

If you want to know more about podcasting, check out this article on Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast
For more information on subscribing to podcasts check the help files for your subscription program.