O'Connor Consulting
Web Design and Hosting, ComputerRepair, Security, Programming, More
The MP3 files generated by for oscasts are relatively easy to create and don't require high-priced equipment, allowing almost anyone to record a program without a large investment of time or money. Once created, podcasts can be listened to on a computer or, more frequently, transferred to a portable digital audio player such as an iPod, a Pocket PC, or cell phone.
Podcasting Resources
What is a Podcast?
Below is a definition of podcasting pulled from Wikipedia that provides you with information about podcasting, its roots and some of the techincal aspects surrounding podcasting.
Podcasting, created by former MTV VJ Adam Curry, is a term that was devised as a crisp way to describe the technology used to push audio content from websites down to consumers of that content, who typically listen to it on their iPod (hence the "pod") or other audio player that supports mp3 at their convenience. The term podcasting is meant to rhyme with broadcasting and is a derivative of the iPod platform. While not directly associated with Apples iPod device or iTunes music service, the company did contribute both the desire and the technology for this capability. Podcasting is not unlike time-shifted video software and devices like TiVo, which let you watch what you want when you want by recording and storing video, except that podcasting is used for audio and is currently free of charge. Note, however, that this technology can be used to push any kind of file, including software updates, pictures, and videos.
Podcasting uses an XML-based technology called RSS, or Really Simple Syndication. Content publishers describe new content in an XML RSS file which includes dates, titles, descriptions, and links to MP3 files. This auto-generated file is called an RSS feed. The key to making podcasting work with RSS is enclosures, a feature supported by RSS 2.0.
What makes podcasting special is that it allows individuals to publish (podcast) radioshows, that interested listeners can subscribe to. Before podcasting you could of course record a radio show and put it on your website, but now people can automatically receive new shows, without having to go to a specific site and download it from there.
Related Terms: podcast, podcaster, broadcatching, podcatching
Following is a list of links that provide information and/or tools to help you with podcasting.
AllPodcasts.com
AllPodcasts.com exists to bring fast, accurate searches to podcasting. Their spider periodically polls podcast feeds and caches the information so that it can be searched and viewed. There are no paid-for services here, and none of the tools or services require registration.
Podcast.net
Podcast.net directory, your source for thousands of podcasts covering a wide variety of topics and interests. The podcast.net directory is arranged by category, making it a snap to find the podcast you like.
Podcast Software List
A comprehensive list of software for listening to podcasts under various operating systems.
Podcasting Creating and Publishing Software
A comprehensive list of software for creating and publishing podcasts under various operating systems.
Yahoo! Podcasts
Yahoo! Podcasts has everything you need to get started enjoying podcasts, including any software you might need. If you're currently setup for listening to podcasts, Yahoo! Podcasts works with the software you already have.