What is a podcast?
Podcasts are digital audio files available on the Internet that can be downloaded and played on any personal computer or MP3 player (like an iPod). They differ from other Internet audio files because the listener can subscribe to them in order to receive the newest episode as soon as it is available and the listener has total control over when and where they listen.
How much do these episodes cost?
Nothing. All Shiloh Museum of Ozark History podcast episodes are free.
How do I get an episode?
To download an individual episode you simply right-click on the "Download" link, and select "Save Target As." Then decide where on your hard drive you want it stored. Read further to learn about subscription options.
Why should I subscribe to the podcast?
Subscribing to a podcast is just like subscribing to a newspaper or magazine, only it's free. You do it for convenience and to have the latest episode as soon as it is available.
What equipment do I need to subscribe and listen to podcasts?
To subscribe to a podcast, you will need a computer with Internet access and a program to download the episodes. Two commonly used free programs are iTunes and Juice.
How do I subscribe?
In general, you can subscribe to a podcast by either following a link from the podcast's homepage, finding it in the directory provided by your podcast software, or by pasting a special web address into your software. Your podcast software will have specific directions on how to subscribe.
How do I play the podcast episodes?
Many people listen to podcasts on their computer using audio-playing software such as Windows Media Player, iTunes, or Winamp. If you want to listen to podcasts away from your computer, then you will need a portable digital audio player capable of playing MP3 files, such as iPod, Zune, or Creative Zen. Almost any audio player on the market will play MP3s. If you don't own an MP3 player you may also burn the episodes onto a CD to play in a regular CD player.
My friend doesn't have access to the Internet. Am I allowed to burn episodes to a CD and give it to them?
Legally, your download of a podcast is licensed to you and you alone. Duplication or transmission of that download via burning to a CD, giving away a CD, or even allowing others to listen to it are all technically disallowed, although some sites do specifically allow this. Check the terms of use on podcast sites. See the terms of use statement on the Shiloh Museum's podcast page.
How do I burn an episode to a CD to play in a regular CD player?
First, read the episode description to make sure permission is given for copying the episode to CD.. If so, you are free to copy, share, and distribute that episode as long as you attribute the work to the Shiloh Museum and you do not use the episode for commercial purposes.
After you download the episode, open your computer's media burning software. The episodes are MP3 files, so you will need to be sure that you have your meida burning software set to burn an audio CD. This will ensure that the CD you are creating will play in regular CD players. Then simply follow the normal burning procedures for your software.
For more information see Jake Luddington's MediaBlab.
For further information about podcasts in general, visit the Wikipedia podcast page.
If you have additional questions about our podcasts, if you experience difficulties, or if you have comments or suggestions, email our podcast producer Heather Marie Wells.