Higher Ground Podcasts

Frequently Asked Questions about Podcasts

Podcasting describes the delivery of audio content, usually in the form of an MP3 file, to a subscriber's computer. This delivery is done through your internet connection. It is performed automatically on a scheduled basis, or requested manually within your Podcast software client.

• The Subscription or Channel: The link between your computer's Podcast software and the content-producer's server. In the case of Higher Ground's Podcast, it's the address to a file that describes the podcast and tells the Podcast software where the MP3 file is located.
• The Podcast or Feed: The actual content, usually an MP3-encoded audio file, which is downloaded or copied directly into your computer.

Podcasts tend to be relatively large files. If you have a cable modem or DSL, downloading a podcast may only take a few moments. Dialup users must connect to their Internet Service Provider before requesting a download, and it can often take 15 minutes or more.

Here are several sources for free Podcast software programs:

• Postcasting News Software List - podcast software for all operating systems
• Juice - (Formerly iPodder) One of the best known open-source clients for Mac and Windows users
• iTunes - Now for both Mac and Windows users
• WinAmp Media Player - A good general-use media player and podcast client for Windows