First, click here and watch.
By definition Podcasting is making audio files (most commonly in MP3 format) available online in a way that allows computer software to automatically download the files for listening at the user's convenience.
Podcasting is free and independent audio programming available on the World Wide Web.
The term "podcast" comes from the popular MP3 audio player, the Apple iPod. A great device that "podders" (those who listen to audio files using an iPod or any MP3 audio player - even a computer) use to listen to these often homebrewed radio-type shows.
Once upon a time, when you wanted to broadcast any audio programming, you needed thousands and thousands of dollars worth of audio and broadcasting equipment. You also had to be a trained and licensed broadcaster. With Podcasting this notion goes out the door! Now everyone who has something to say - even a few who don't have anything to say - are creating their own podcast and making it available for download via the Internet.
Topics covered in the podcasting world are as diverse as those listening to them. Some topics covered are computers and programming, music, automobiles, gardening, knitting, and yes... QUILTING . I'm the first and so far, only quilting podcast in the world. But that will change soon, I'm sure.
Most of these podcasters are unexperienced and unpracticed hobbyists expressing themselves by creating their own format and programming related to their area of interest. But as we've learned with the World Wide Web, people have valuable information to share with others and those sharing a common interest will benefit from it. The same thing is happening to podcasting.
The radio broadcasting industry is getting very nervous about podcasting. Some have even gone so far as to throw their own hats into the podcasting ring and are now promoting their own radio programs for download as mp3 files. Currently their are over ten thousand podcasts to choose from. Discriminating listeners beware! Podcasts are not regulated by the FCC nor are they "rated" like TV programming and movies. That means the topics covered in podcast programming and the words the podcasters use could singe the hairs off the insides of your ears.
You can be sure my programs on the Quilting Stash will be suitable for the entire family - so you'll never be embarassed listening to my show.
If you are reading this, you have most of the equipment you need already. Here's what you need:
A computer with a fast Internet connection. Most podcast files are well over 5 megabytes in size - about the limit for a dial-up modem connection - anything larger will try a user's patience. DSL or Cable modem connections are definitely recommended.
You'll also need a sound card and a free multimedia program such as Windows Media Player, iTunes, RealPlayer or QuickTime.
To make your experience a little more enjoyable, free "podcast aggregator" software helps users "subscribe" to and automatically download podcasts to your computer. iPodder for Windows and iPodderX is probably the most common application for this purpose.
From there, you can listen to the podcast files right on your computer or, for additional mobility, transfer the files from your computer's music database to your iPod or other MP3 player.
Keep visiting my website, or go to any of the following sites to learn more about podcasting:
www.ipodder.org
www.podcast.net
www.podcastalley.com
www.podcastbunker.com