A podcast, for those of you not in the “know”, is basically a digital radio show that can be streamed to your computer or downloaded onto any number of digital listening devices, including the ever popular iPod. Podcasting is now more popular than ever thanks, in part, to two factors: 1) the popularity of the iPod and other portable digital listening devices and 2) the reduction in price of quality audio broadcasting equipment.
This increased popularity means that there are a lot of podcasts sprouting up around the net. These podcasts range in quality and produciton value from a kid with a cheap microphone in his parent’s basement to a nationally syndicated radio show.
I’ve fallen in love with podcasts recently after buying a car (my silver lightning myvi) This enables me to hear pertinent, relevant, interesting stuff on my 45 minute drive to and from work back before i got accepted t o UiTM. Better than radio, podcasts allow me to choose WHAT I listen to and WHEN I listen to it. Kinda like Tivo for audio broadcasting.
As a computer guy or gal, listening to tech-related podcasts regularly will help you keep up with the latest trends in computer consulting and the IT business in general. You can listen at home or in your shop while working on a computer or in the car on your way to your service calls. There are quite a few tech-centric podcasts out there. This list provides you with the podcasts that I personally enjoy and in which I find the most value as a computer guy.
So here, in no particular order, are my top 5 podcast recommendations for computer techs:
Buzz Out Loud - This is a daily podcast produced by the folks at CNET that provides news and commentary on the latest tech trends. I like it’s combination of knowledgeable hosts and the laid-back friendly vibe. Although they don’t get too heavy into technical stuff, they provide a breath of fresh geek air to start your morning.
PodNutz- A weekly (almost) computer repair podcast by Steve Cherubino. He regularly interviews a wide variety of computer techs and business owners bringing good insights into how other techs approach their niche.
Small Business Trends Radio- Not a tech podcast per-se, but a very valuable tool for those of you who run your own business. Being an independent computer consultant means being a small business owner, CEO, marketing guru, accountant (among other things) as well as an excellent computer tech. This show will help you become better at those first four things. Each week Anita Campbell and co-host Steve Rucinski interview a different small business owner/expert that shares their experiences and insights.
Windows Weekly - This podcast is a member of the TWiT.tvtech podcast network. This network, founded by radio tech guy Leo Laporte, offers very professional broadcast-quality podcasts featuring mostly tech-related subjects. Windows Weekly is one of my favorites, providing me all the juicy windows tidbits I need to satiate my Microsoft munchies in digestible weekly portions.
The Force Field- Brought to you by Rick Savoia, The Force Field podcast covers a wide variety of computer consulting topics with news, reviews, and interviews. This one is part of the TechPodcasts.comnetwork, which is home to a smorgasbord of geek-friendly podcasts.
The Tech Guy- This is another offering from TwiT.tv, hosted by the man himself, Leo Laporte. This is his XM radio show without the commercials. Very entertaining and informative covering general tech.
Cyber Speak - Two former federal agents discuss computer forensics, cybercrime, and computer security. Can be dry at times (since this is not my main area of focus), but stick with it, you’ll learn some interesting and useful stuff!
Many of these podcats also include forums, chat rooms, and live participation with the hosts. So check them out and tell what you think to me....
No comments:
Post a Comment