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What is Podcasting?
Podcasting is a method of distributing audio files using an RSS feed. It works in much the same way as an internet news feed - once a user subscribes to a podcast (using a piece of software called a podcast client), the feed is checked regularly by the client software and new audio files are automatically downloaded. These files can either be listened to directly off the computer or, as the name suggests, downloaded onto an iPod or other MP3 player - the client software automatically updates the file so that the most recent content is always downloaded.
Podcasting can be a useful way of promoting your music, giving people information or creating your own radio shows. You can combine music and voiceovers to create shows and then broadcast them over the internet for free.
Getting Started
To start podcasting, the first thing you need is a means of recording your broadcast - a microphone and some recording software. Some manufacturers supply "podcasting kits", which contain everything you need to get started, or you can use any type of recording equipment to create audio files and then convert them to MP3:
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Samson CO1U Recording Pak Complete podcasting kit with USB microphone, software and accessories. |
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Samson CO3U Recording Pak Complete podcasting kit with multi-pattern USB microphone, software and accessories. |
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M-Audio Podcast Factory Complete professional podcasting package |
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Alesis USB-Mic Podcasting Kit Complete professional podcasting package |
 | Samson CO1U USB Condenser Microphone. |
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Cakewalk Music Creator 3 Create polished, professional recordings right from your home computer — no previous recording experience required. |
Publishing your Podcast
Having created your audio file, you now need to publish it on the internet so that others can download it. The first step is to upload it (in MP3 format) onto webspace. Many Internet Service Providers and some email accounts give their customers free webspace which you can use to store your files, or some podcasting sites will allow you to store your files there for a fee.
Now your files are online, the next step is to create an RSS feed. This will allow people to subscribe to your podcast and to download updated files. Software is available to help with this - www.download.com has a selection of free trials and shareware applications - or you can find out about RSS and write the feed code yourself - www.podcastingnews.com has an RSS tutorial.
Once your podcast is online, all that's left is to publicise it. There are literally hundreds of podcasting directories online where you can submit a link to your podcast and categorise it so that others can find it. Some may charge for this service, but most are free.
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