Podcasting: The hottest innovation of the 21st century

You are at an important business meeting, and it´s time for your favorite radio show. But you don´t have to worry because you know it is downloading onto your PC at home right now in the form of a podcast. Podcasts are audio or video files on the Internet that can be downloaded onto your computer. They can be about anything – from how to cook Chinese food, to baseball. Since they can be added to your iPod or mp3 player, you can listen to them whenever you want.

While trying to stream audio and video over the Internet, a former MTV VJ named Adam Curry created podcasts. However, it was David Winer who invented the RSS (Really Simple Syndication) system which allows you to take a podcast and post it on your website so that visitors can download it instantly.

Listening to a podcast requires nothing but a computer and a speaker. Despite common belief, you don´t need an iPod or a Mac to enjoy a podcast. When you need to transport a podcast, any portable media player will do.

This new technology facilitates today´s busy lifestyles. You can be using the cross-trainer at the gym while learning the basics of computer graphics via a podcast.

Podcasting also allows broadcasters to easily voice their opinions to their listeners. If you´re seeking information on a hobby, an interest, or just a question, you can find everything you need using a Podcast Directory such as Podseek.net. A podcast directory is a search engine that specializes in podcasts. But podcasts can also be found using any regular search engine. If you enjoy listening to a podcast from a particular author, you can subscribe; that means your computer automatically downloads every new podcast by that publisher. To subscribe to a podcast requires special software called an aggregator, or podcatcher, which literally "catches" the podcast and downloads it; thereby eliminating the need for a manual search and download.

Anyone who doesn´t like being cooped up in the house all day waiting for his or her favorite radio show to air can access and listen to a podcast. People who have atypical hobbies can find others who share their unique interest. With the barest technical requirements, podcasting can assist you in getting your opinion abroad, as well as slaking your need for constant information in a timely manner.