If you are like many people, you have heard of podcasting but you are not exactly sure what it is. I'll tell you. 

Podcasting is the recording, editing and placement on the web, audio/video files that anyone can subscribe to for notification of new material to download.

Breaking that down, "recording & editing" is the production part of the process---you are making a file. 

Use a microphone to record either in your computer or a recorder, then transfer the recording to the computer.

 Edit in a computer using software your computer came with or free software available to download.

"Placement on the web" is known as publishing the file. You need a place to put your creation that is accessible to your audience.

The term podcast usually refers to audio files. The video version of a podcast is called Video podcast---that may be shortened to vidcast or vodcast, the online delivery of  video. VOD=video on demand.

 For Windows or Mac OS, Windows Media Player, iTunes and many other free programs can play podcast and vidcast files on personal computers. It is completely optional as to whether users want to also transfer them to their portable iPod-like devices. 

"Subscribe to" is what really makes the difference between the typical placing of files on a website for people to peruse and automatically notifiying interested people each time to publish new files.

This is the logo for RSS (really simple syndication). It  is the technology that allows people to subscribe to your program and be notified of new content. In some instances it will send them an email when new material is posted or it may just automatically download new material when their software (like iTunes) is opened.

What does all this really mean?
It means you (and millions before you) have the ability to run your own radio or TV station, on the web.  Your audience will need to know how to "tune in" your content. If you have a website they visit already, that will be a good place from which to direct them to your podcasts. You can email notification of your podcasts.

The best part is, unlike a real TV or radio station, you probably have all you need already in your office and if you don't, it can be obtained somewhere between free and inexpensively. Technique will count for more than expense. With proper technique, you can avoid a lot of expense and in the podcasting biz, there isn't much expense in the first place.  

Podcasting is easier than you think.  Millions have learned to do it, most on their own, since June 28, 2005, the release date of iTunes v.4.9 when podcast support first began.

Coming up--Podcasting Gear.