What Is Podcasting?

A podcast is an audio file that can be downloaded automatically to your computer, using RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds to your computer. RSS feeds are free content feeds from Web sites, including washingtonpost.com, that contain article headlines, summaries, links to articles, and podcasts.

The word "podcast" is derived from Apple Computer's portable music player, the iPod.

Podcasts are usually downloaded through a program like iTunes onto an iPod using RSS feeds, but they can also be directly downloaded on to a computer, or listened to in streaming format.

There are many different types of podcasts about almost any topic, from cars to comedy to science to sports ... and news! The Washington Post's Sunday Source recently sampled a broad range of podcasts.

Many radio or TV shows are repurposed as podcasts. For example, you can listen to Eric Mile's 'Stock Market Pulse Report " through your iPod, or on your computer, hours after the show aired live.

How do I listen to podcasts? Do I need an iPod to listen to a podcast?

You do not need an iPod to listen to podcasts. You can listen to washingtonpost.com podcasts in a few ways.

• Through iTunes.
• Click on the Listen/MP3 link when you see it.
• Use an RSS feed reader.

How often is a podcast updated?

There is no set time for when podcasts run, but most podcasts update at least once a week. Check back regularly for updates.

How much does a podcast cost?

All Learning The Market podcasts are free.