> What is podcasting?

Podcasting is a way to subscribe to audio or video files on the internet and have them delivered to your personal computer, in much the same way as you would subscribe to your favourite magazine. These files can then be transferred to your mp3 player for easy listening any time of the day.

> What is the difference between downloading and podcasting?

Downloading is the transfer of any file to your computer. All you need to do is save the audio file to your PC and listen to it at your leisure. However Podcasting, using RSS technology, allows a subscriber to automatically receive the latest edition of their chosen programmes directly to their PC. You can then choose to listen as a stream from your computer or transfer to your player and listen when you want, in the gym, commuting or out walking – whatever!

> What is RSS?

Essentially RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is the technology which alerts your computer when a new podcast is available and downloads it automatically. It works on the principle that your favourite podcasts, news stories or features are be delivered directly to you.

> What do I need to do to get a podcast?

You can listen to most podcasts simply by clicking a link on the relevant website. To subscribe to podcasts, so that you receive your favourite ones automatically, you first have to download some software to your computer. Programs to do this are widely available free of charge. iTunes is currently the most popular software.

Once you have the software downloaded the fun starts! It is now that you have to decide what you want to listen to. Fret not, because Podcastingireland.ie can help you. We offer podcasts on many different topics. All you have to do is go to our podcasts page, browse through the programmes available and decide what programmes you would like to listen to. To get these programmes and their updates you just have to click the subscribe button. From there the podcast is downloaded and you can listen to it on your PC or transfer them to your mp3 player. It couldn’t be easier!