PE8_iTunes

I chose to look more closely at iTunes next in part because it is a program I do not know and in part because I figured I might be able to do more with iMovie having a firmer grasp of software that works hand in hand with it. I’ve also looked at using GarageBand '11 and will write about that in a future blog post.

Believe it or not, while I have had iTunes installed on my computers before, I haven’t taken advantage of its features like the radio or podcasts—features that can be used without a portable media device like an iPod or an iPhone, which I always thought of as gateway devices for using iTunes. In order to use these features, you do have to create an iTunes account, however, which is free.

As for podcasts, I want to highlight the fact that they can be downloaded on podcast directory websites like podcastalley.com or techpodcasts.com (Lynda.com iTunes 10 Essential Training) but there is an advantage to using iTunes with podcasts, and that is that it allows for enhanced podcasts that have sections or links attributed to them. It’s also easy to use because Apple has a directory of podcasts that have been submitted for listening; and iTunes lets you sample them before subscribing to them.  

Things to know about podcasts:

·      When you download a file, you subscribe to its podcast; and it’s automatically updated (an Internet connection is needed).

·      Most podcasts are free.

·      Some podcasts come out a couple of times a day, others once a day, week, etc.

·      Some websites offer podcasts that are not in iTunes; rather, they have a URL that links to the podcasts (RSS). You can copy the URL and use iTunes to subscribe to it: 

In iTunes, go to Advanced/Subscribe to Podcast...

Enter the RSS URL.

Sample URL is from Lynda.com even though Apple lists its podcast.