What Is Podcasting And RSS Files?
Author: Ken Snodin

One of the best ways to share files that you've found online is
to download a podcast. A podcast is a way that the creators
and/or distributors of content can send their online materials
directly to the computer of a subscriber. The subscriber can
then view or listen to the content whenever they want to.

Podcasting works because of small files called RSS files, which
are located somewhere on a web page. This RSS file is regularly
updated, usually through an automatic update, with text and
links to new media files that are available to be downloaded.

A podcast client accesses the RSS file from the subscriber's
computer. Podcast clients are programs that go online to find
RSS files for data that the subscriber has chosen to view. Most
podcast clients are available for free, and many different ones
are available to suit any unique need.

A download happens when the client downloads and views the file
that is being offered at the feed's web site. The client finds
links to media files that are included in the RSS file, and
then it downloads those files, storing them on a subscriber's
computer until the user wants to see them. Podcast files can be
comedy shows, music mixes, or radio shows. Subscribers are often
able to download parts of regular shows and play them on a home
computer.

Downloads can be applied to any kind of file. The RSS file that
allows generally audio and video files to be downloaded can also
be tailored to apply to any data file. Some experts believe that
podcasting may be used to distribute software updates, as well
as demonstration programs, and go beyond simply sharing media
files. Users would just have to subscribe to a feed with a
podcast client. This could be a way to update users about
anything.

Many possibilities for file distribution are provided with
podcast downloads. This represents a different way of using the
Internet by allowing information to come to users, instead of
having users actively go out and visit each site. Podcasting
could ultimately change how the Internet works. With broadband
access becoming faster and more available, content will have a
good chance of being delivered directly to a consumer more
easily and more quickly than ever before. This approach could
mean major changes for the Internet and make the Web even more
integrated with the personal lives of its users.


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