Podcasts are voice recordings on a specific topic that are distributed over the Internet. Essentially they are the same thing as a radio broadcast, only a podcast can be produced and distributed by anyone with a personal computer. These podcasts are usually provided for free download by anyone with an interest in the topic being covered in the show. When a user finds a podcast that is of interest to him or her, the podcast can be downloaded to a computer, a portable MP3 player, or an iPod (hence the name “Podcast”).
Where To Find Good Podcasts
Podcasts are literally found on every topic imaginable from UFO’s to technology and from cars to literature. The best way to find a good podcast is to visit one of the many podcast directories such as PodcastReady. At these podcast directory web sites all of the various podcasts they compile are listed in categories according to the general topic of the broadcast. Once a podcast is found that sounds like it might be interesting many sites will allow the user to preview the podcast via streaming audio. If the podcast sounds good a user can then subscribe to the RSS feed of that podcast to be informed of new episodes.
How To Subscribe To A Podcast
Most podcasts provide RSS feeds to allow users to be informed when a new episode is available for download. While it is very easy to do this manually, there are several programs that do the work in the background and store the new podcasts on the computer for later listening. Podcast playing programs such as MyPodder and Juice Receiver are excellent free tools than monitor podcast subscriptions and download new episodes as they come available. The MyPodder program also has versions available that install directly to an MP3 player or to a Windows Portable equipped cell phone.
