What is a podcast or podcasting?
Podcasting makes an audio file, typically an MP3 file, available online for downloading via an automatic "feed." You can then hear the podcast whenever you want from your computer or a portable media player.

What do I need to hear a podcast?
The first thing you need is podcast subscription software. Your options include the latest version of Apple's iTunes (which has the software built in), Juice, or other software to manage your podcast subscriptions. At this point, you will already be able to listen to podcast audio from your computer (provided your computer has a sound card and can play MP3 audio files). If you want to make your podcasts portable, you will need to transfer them from your computer to a portable media device.

How do I subsribe to a Podcast?
For those new to podcasting, we've provided the following detailed instructions with accompanying screenshots (for iTunes) to help you.

1. Download iTunes to your computer (PC or Mac).

2. Install iTunes on your computer.

3. Open the iTunes application.

4. In the horizontal menu appearing at the top, click "Advanced" and then "Subscribe to Podcast."

5. After a dialogue box pops up, enter the podcast URL into the text area (you can right click the link and copy the URL and then paste into the dialog box).

6. In the podcast directory on the right-hand side, you will find the title of the podcast. By default, the latest program should be downloading to your computer. At the far left of the podcast title, an orange circle with a rotating arrow should display. This means a 

7. Once the program is finished downloading, select the program you'd like to listen to. Then, you can either double-click the program title and it will begin playing or click the play button at the top of the application window.

8. The next time you open iTunes, the application will automatically check to see if the latest podcast is available for download.

9. For instructions on transfering audio (including podcasts)to your Apple iPod, visit this article on the Apple website. Your instructions will vary if you have an MP3 player from another manufacturer.