Podcasting is the newest way to enjoy your favorite radio programming.  Contrary to its name, podcasting does not require an Apple iPod or any other MP3 player.  All you need is your computer, an Internet connection and software that will download the sound files.

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.  The first thing you need is podcast subscription software.  Your options include the latest version of the free, cross platform podcast receiver Juice or Apple's iTunes (which has the software built in) 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.