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Using Apple's iTunes with Podcasts

What is iTunes?

iTunes is a program developed by Apple Computer, Inc. which can be used as an aggregator that can download and store music, Podcasts, and broadcasts. While iTunes is not the only software available to obtain Podcasts, the program is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh and is user friendly. Customers using this software can download music and Podcasts from other sites, however, there may be a charge associated with your subscription at other sites.

How can I get the iTunes software?

Download and installation of the iTunes software is easy. Go to http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/ and click on the Download Now button. Install the software and you will be ready to begin. The main iTunes Screen shows upon installation.

How do I Use iTunes?

On the left of your screen you will see a Source window. This window will help you to navigate through and store your subscriptions in the proper place. The Music Store link is the main page for searching out Podcasts, music, and broadcasts.

If you currently have subscriptions you can click on (for example) the Podcasts link and Update and/or review your current selections. If you do not have any subscriptions, iTunes can help.

What Podcasts are the Office of Information Technology (OIT) Offering?

OIT is now offering Podcasts to the Campus Community.

• Our regular podcasts, which are mp3 files, can be located and subscribed to at http://www.oit.umd.edu/podcast/oitpodcast.xml.
• Enhanced Podcasts
  • Our enhanced podcasts can be located and subscribed to at http://www.oit.umd.edu/podcast/oitepodcast.xml
  • Subscriptions to the enhanced podcast can also be made directly through the iTunes Store.

To subscribe on Macintosh:

• click on the Podcast's URL
• drag it on top of the Podcasts icon in the Source window of the iTunes program

• in your web browser highlight the Podcast URL
• select Edit then Copy
• in the iTunes window, click on Advanced on the Menu Bar, and select Open Stream
• the link you copied can then be pasted into the Open Stream window in iTunes and saved
• click the Update button to make sure you have the most recent Podcasts

How can I find other Podcasts?

On the Inside the Music Store window you will see quite a few selections; among them Podcasts. Click on this link to see what Podcasts are available for free. As you can see the selection of Podcasts is large.

General Maintenance

Keep the files you wish to save and delete the ones you don't care to listen to. An added bonus is that if you do not have time to listen to the Podcast immediately; you can download it to your MP3 player and listen to it "on the go."