AS technology becomes more and more a part of our everyday lives, so too does the language associated with it. Hence we use the word ‘e-mail’ for exchanging information with others over the internet, ‘download’ to take information from the world wide web to our own personal computers, and ‘google’ as a verb to describe searching for information on whatever topic comes into our heads.

The latest of these words to break into everyday language on a grand scale is ‘podcast’.

Podcasting involves something very simple, but its name makes it seem complicated to many. It is a combination of two words– ‘ipod’ and ‘broadcast’. A podcast is a broadcast that you can download from the web onto your computer, your ipod or your MP3 player. Although ‘iPod’ is part of the name, you do not necessarily need one to listen to a podcast.

There are three main types of podcasts: shows that are on traditional radio stations that can be downloaded from the radio station’s website at any time, such as ‘Morning Ireland’ or ‘Nob Nation’, shows made exclusively for the web that are available from media websites, such as guardianunlimited’s ‘Football Weekly’ show, and shows that are recorded by ‘amateurs’ on whatever subject might interest them (this is similar in practice to pirate radio, except that it is perfectly legal).

Many of us have radio programmes that we listen to on a regular basis. But sometimes we miss out on a broadcast. Once upon a time that meant that we could never hear it, but with podcasting there is every chance that we can. All it takes is a visit to the radio station’s website and a simple click on their ‘podcasts’ link. This will give a list of programmes and the dates on which they aired. Each programme listed will often have a ‘download the podcast’ link.

When the user clicks on this, the programme will be downloaded to your computer’s music library– such as iTunes– and is ready to listen to within minutes. If you want to transfer it to your mp3 player and go for a walk you can do that too. But so long as your computer has speakers, you can listen to it right there and then.

Podcasts allow you to listen at a time that suits you. If you want to listen to a documentary or play that aired on RTE radio four months ago, chances are the podcast is available on their website.

Other media outlets have podcasts too, such as guardianunlimited, the ‘London Times’, the ‘New York Times’ and the BBC. If there isn’t a ‘podcast’ link there will be an ‘audio’ link, which refers to the same thing.

If you would rather find podcasts from non-traditional media outlets, all you have to do is think of any subject and then search for a podcast on it– such as ‘gardening podcast’, ‘wedding podcast’, ‘drum’n’bass’ podcast, ‘jazz podcast’, ‘psychology podcast’, ‘pets podcast’. Then you will find podcasts on whatever interests you. Alternatively, you could search for a ‘podcast directory’, and you will then be presented with a whole host of podcasts covering a wide range of subjects.

Essentially, podcasts are radio-type shows on the internet that can be listened to at whatever time suits you, and for free. You find your podcast, hit the ‘download’ button, it will open up in your media library, and you press play and listen.

If you’re still not sure about what is involved, simply search ‘What is a podcast?’ for further information. After that it’s all plain sailing. You’ll find yourself presented with a range of listening options like never before.