What is Podcasting?

Think of a podcast as a radio show. Each show consists of a series of individual episodes that you can listen to how you want � on your PC, using your MP3 player, or with just a web browser.

If you've never listened to podcasts, you're in for a treat.  Sports, comedy, movies, food, politics, music, books, speeches, walking tours, whatever � you name the topic and you'll find podcasts about it. Not only do you have incredible choice, you can listen whenever and wherever you want.

You can listen to these episodes one at a time (say using your web browser) or you can 'subscribe' to the entire podcast series using software on your PC. When you subscribe to a podcast, all new shows will be automatically downloaded to your computer as they are published. And if you have an MP3 player, the next time you sync your device, your podcasts will be downloaded for listening on the go.

Despite the name, you don�t need an iPod to listen to podcasts. All you need is an MP3 player. Any MP3 player. In fact the computer you are using to read this is a MP3 player. There�s nothing stopping you burning a podcast to a compact disc and playing it on the CD player in your lounge or your car. It�s audio entertainment when and where you want it.

Subscribing

So now you�ve found some podcasts you like, why not subscribe? When you subscribe to a magazine a copy arrives in your mailbox every time a new issue is released. Subscribing to a podcast is just the same, but instead of a mailbox, you have an aggregator � a program that runs on your PC and automatically downloads your favourite podcasts ready for you to listen to.