A quick glance at the number of programs available on
ipodder.org (one of the largest Podcast directories available) shows that there
are hundreds of Podcast programs to choose from, with more being created and
updated every day. Once you have found a program you would like to listen to,
write down the URL (uniform resource locator, or http:// address that is listed
for the Podcasting site). You’ll need this address for when you are setting up
your subscription.
The term Podcast is simply a hybrid of “iPod” and
“broadcast,” and though the name implies that an iPod is required for
listening, practically any audio player that can handle mp3 files—including
hardware mp3 players as well as computer applications like Windows Media Player
or iTunes—can be used to hear downloaded Podcast content. Make sure you have a
media player for mp3 files before you go any further. ITunes (available at http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/)
is available for both Mac and Windows and works well with Podcasting.
The last thing you will need (other than an Internet
connection and speakers or headphones) is a Podcast aggregator, which is an
application that you can use to subscribe to Podcast feeds. There are several
to choose from, including iPodder, Doppler and PlayPod just to name a few. A
quick search on www.versiontracker.com
for “podcast” will take you to the software you need, but I recommend iPodder
for Windows and iPodderX Lite for Macintosh, both of which are free.
Download and install your aggregator of choice as well as
iTunes, then open both applications. You will want to set the Preferences in
your aggregator (iPodder or iPodderX Lite) to use iTunes as a media player.
Once you have that set, then select the option to add a new feed in your
aggregator. In the window that comes up, type in the URL that you found when
browsing for Podcasts, then hit Enter. This will add a subscription to the
Podcast you have chosen. Check for new content from your subscribed Podcast,
then download it when prompted. An mp3 will be downloaded to your hard drive
and will then open in iTunes and play.
Congratulations, you’re officially a Podcast listener.
Browse for more content, add new feeds, and be sure to refresh your
subscriptions so you’ll always hear the latest content from the Podcasts you’ve
chosen.