What is Podcasting?
Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet using either the RSS or Atom syndication formats, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The term podcast, like 'radio', can mean both the content and the method of delivery.
Briefly, the word podcasting comes from two words: iPod and broadcasting. Although the word is derived from iPod, you do NOT need an iPod to listen to the audio program
. Any device that can play an MP3 file will work.
In fact, you do not even need a dedicated MP3 player. All you need to listen to the audio program is an Internet connection (preferably broadband), a computer, and speakers or headphones. If you have a dial-up connection, you may experience significant download time depending on the size of the audio file.
In other words, a podcast is simply an MP3 audio file that you can download from the Internet. Once the MP3 audio file has been downloaded, you can either listen to it from your computer or you can transfer it to your MP3 player - which is great because you ultimately decide when and where you want to listen to it.
What makes podcasting special?
If you have a portable media player (like an iPod) and you want FREE content delivered automatically to you, then podcasting is for YOU.