Podcasting Tips
What is a podcasting?
Podcasting is a way to receive audio files over the Internet. Many content
providers offer podcast feeds.
These feeds deliver audio broadcasts to your desktop. You can listen
to these files on your computer or load them on your MP3 player and
take them with you.
Getting Started
How do I launch a podcast?
All you need to get started is software that plays multi-media content,
such as an MP3. If you want to make your podcast portable, you will
need to transfer it from your computer to a portable media device.
I launched a podcast, but I can’t hear anything.
First, be sure that you have audio player software; then, verify that
the correct audio file was downloaded to your computer. You may need
to modify the update settings in your podcasting software to ensure
that this process occurs automatically. Also, verify that you speakers
are on and turned up. Next, check the update times in the description
and make sure that a new edition should have been posted. If an audio
file is not present and the feed time has passed, please contact the
Help Center.
RSS Feed Tips
What is RSS?
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an XML-based format for sharing and
distributing Web content (also called syndicated content),
such as news and other regularly updated content lists. Using an RSS
reader, you can view data feeds from various sources.
What is an RSS reader (also called
aggregator)?
An RSS reader downloads and displays RSS feeds for you. This includes
a brief description and a link to content. A number of free and commercial
readers are available for use.
If you have an account with Yahoo, MSN, Google or iTunes, just click
the appropriate icon on the Spiral Story Zoomer Description page and
follow the directions.
There are many different Really Simple Syndication (RSS) readers available.
Some readers are designed with user interfaces that resemble e-mail
inboxes instead of browsers. Whatever your preference, all RSS readers
are used to collect, update, and display RSS feeds. Here are a few:
How do I use RSS?
The most common use of RSS is viewing news with an RSS reader, also
known as an aggregator. There are three types of aggregators: stand-alone
programs, e-mail-integrated applications, and Web-based aggregators.
How do I use a news aggregator?
News aggregators work similar to e-mail. Once you have subscribed to
an RSS news feed, you are given a list of Categories. You click on the
Category to see a summary, and then click the link to see the full text,
which opens a browser window and takes you directly to that text on
the site.
How is RSS different than an e-mail newsletter?
E-mail newsletters are usually delivered at a time chosen by the publisher.
RSS gives you more control by always being available and staying updated.
Another advantage RSS has over e-mail is that you don't have to supply
an e-mail address to get the headlines.
How is RSS different than a Web site?
RSS is usually a slimmed-down version of a Web site. Images and other
supplementary information are not included in an RSS feed.
How do I subscribe to a feed?
To subscribe to an RSS feed, you need an RSS reader. The latest versions
of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Netscape have this functionality
built-in. If you are using a browser RSS, click the orange RSS icon
on the Spiral Story RSS page.
If you have an account with iTunes, My MSN, My Yahoo or Google, click
the appropriate icon on the Spiral Story RSS page. Then follow the directions
on the page. If you are using a reader other than the ones shown on
the Description page (browser, iTunes, My MSN, My Yahoo or Google),
copy the URL shown below the icons and paste it into your RSS reader.
See What is an RSS reader? for more information
about getting one.
How do I unsubscribe?
Just click the "unsubscribe" button in your news aggregator.
