a PODCAST is a service you subscribe to using software capable of working with podcasts. Usually, this is iTunes, which is the best, particularly if you have an iPod or an iPhone, as everything stays synchronised with ease. However, there are other devices and other software for receiving podcasts. The main thing about a podcast is that it is has episodes (or can have), and the subscription in your podcast software will always keep track of which episodes you have downloaded to date. It will usually automatically download the most recent episode when you connect, and will ask you if you want to download any other episodes you have missed. The BBC has loads of podcasts of all-important programmes like The Archers. A podcast is usually audio only, perhaps with still images, but there's no reason why it can't also be a video podcast. All our podcasts are FREE subscriptions.

a WEBCAST is a piece of streaming media. Streaming media begins to play as soon as you have downloaded enough and your browser has figured out the speed of your current connection. If you have a halfway decent broadband connection, then it should begin to play almost immediately. Unlike a podcast, you get to see/hear the webcast almost as soon as you click on it, but you don't get any history or any link to past episodes. The media itself won't be stored on your computer unless you choose to save it. All the webcasts on this site require Quicktime.

a PHONECAST from our site is stuff for your mobile. We'll be developing this as we go along, but in the first instance it's likely to be information about, and bits from, the Women in Farming exhibition that will launch in March 08. You'll be able to subscribe FREE to this service.