This is the first in a series of “What’s a ----?” articles.

A podcast is an audio or video show that you download from the Internet using a computer. Unlike streaming media, which is live, podcasts are pre-recorded and you can download them and listen at any time, over and over if you want.

This has been going on for some time, but Apple really made it popular when they released the iPod and coined the term “pod-cast” meaning “broadcasting to iPods”. Because of the implied association with Apple, many podcasters prefer to use the term “netcast”. Podcasts are for everyone, Windows, Mac, Linux, the lot. You can even get them on some TV set top boxes and Internet connected radio sets.

You DON”T have to own an iPod or even use Apple’s iTunes software. Podcasting is a standard and there are many programs to help you. Mostly, you just download the show as a file (typically mp3) using a web browser. You can play it on your computer, you DON”T need a portable device at all.

Some technology called RSS will keep you up to date with new episodes of your favourite podcasts.

Podcasts are a tremendous source of information and entertainment. There are shows on just about every topic you can name. They are virtually all free.