QUICK START GUIDE TO PODCAST LISTENING
 

How it works:

	1. Podcast files, typically mp3 audio files (other types of files can also be podcasted) are stored on a webserver or other delivery network.
	2. The organization or podcast producer, creates an rssfeed (typically an xml or other file format) that allows listeners to use their aggregator program (iTunes® or other similar programs - see below) to subscribe and check the rssfeed for new podcasts then downloads them automatically or individually selected podcasts to their home computer.
	3. The listener can play the podcast on their computer or elect to load it to a personal mp3 player (iPod® or similar devices)

Finding an aggregator:

The most widely used podcast aggregator is iTunes® by Apple® however other free high quality aggregators are available and new ones or new releases are coming out all the time.  This editor recommends the Juice Receiver

Finding a podcast:

Search the web for 'podcast' and see what happens!  Add a keyword of the subject that interests you and take your pick.  Thousands of podcasts are out there and the list is growing.

Go to a podcast directory, many are out there.  iTunes® by Apple®  has years of listening available, other directories like Podcast Pickle or Podcast Alley are also good places to start.

What's with all the funky code when I click on a link to an rssfeed???

Just click on a link like this and it will bring up some interesting information, none of which is much interest to any listener.  All we want is to subscribe to the damn podcast!  The inside info is to "right click" then select "copy link location" so you can paste the URL path to the rssfeed directly into your aggregator.

Want to learn more?

There are so many sites available to expand your understanding of podcasting.  Podcast411 has been around from the beginning and is a great place to start.

What's next?

This a very brief guide (by a non-computer professional) to a world of podcasting that seems to be changing everyday.  I hope it will help you get started to a whole new and exciting media world!  Check back once in a while for updates and please email your questions to info@uupodcasters.org