Q: What is a podcast and do I need an iPod to listen to the Linux Reality podcast?

A: A podcast is an audio file that can be downloaded and played on a computer or portable audio device. Despite the name “podcast,” you can listen to the Linux Reality episodes on your computer or any portable audio device capable of playing MP3 or Ogg Vorbis audio files. Therefore, you do not need an iPod to listen to a podcast. Perhaps “audiocast” is a better term than “podcast.”

Q: How do I subscribe to the podcast?

A: If you have an iPod, you can find the Linux Reality podcast available for free in the iTunes Music Store. Just click on “podcasts” while using the iTunes software and then search for “Linux Reality.” Alternatively, you can click on the feed links in the right sidebar. You will be taken to the Feedburner pages where you can easily subscribe to the podcast. Finally, you can also manually enter the RSS feed into your podcatching software such as iTunes, Juice, or other similar software by using this URL for the MP3 feed, http://feeds.feedburner.com/linuxreality, or this URL for the Ogg Vorbis feed, http://feeds.feedburner.com/linuxreality-ogg.

Q: For whom is this podcast intended?

A: This podcast is intended for new Linux users and computer users who may have never used Linux before but are interested in learning about this exciting, free and open-source operating system.

Q: How long will each episode be?

A: Currently, each episode will generally be between fifteen and thirty minutes in length.

Q: Will you consider audience requests for episodes?

A: Yes! Please send email or audio feedback to linuxreality@gmail.com.

Q: Will you answer technicial questions submitted by email or audio feedback on the air?

A: It will depend on the time constraints for each episode and on whether the question is suited for a new Linux user audience. But, answering feedback and questions on the air is a very high priority.

Q: How often do you plan on releasing new episodes?

A: This will depend on user interest. At the outset, new episodes will be released periodically with no set schedule. Generally, a new episode will be released every one to two weeks, more or less. However, if user interest is high, then a more regular schedule will be established.

Q: What is Ogg Vorbis?

A: In short, Ogg Vorbis is a free and open-source audio codec, similar to MP3 or AAC. Many audio enthusiasts believe that an Ogg Vorbis version of an audio file will have superior sound and take up less disk space than a comparable MP3 version of the same audio file. Please see the Wikipedia entry on Ogg Vorbis for more information. Linux Reality will be offering Ogg Vorbis versions of each episode to support this free and open-source audio codec. What audio players support Ogg Vorbis? Most of the players offered by Cowon iAudio do, as do some of the players made by iRiver.

Q: What technical tools do you use to create the podcast?

A: Audacity, an open-source cross-platform audio editor and recorder, is used to record the shows.

Q: Where did you get the cool logo?

A: From awesome Linux Reality listeners, that’s where! In the fall of 2006, I threw out a call to the Linux Reality listeners to help come up with a new logo and they responded in spades. The new logo is a direct result of many listeners and community members coming together, in true free and open source fashion, to create something original. I would like to especially thank those who contributed actual design ideas, including (in no particular order): Halitech, rfquerin, philiphorrari, heathenx, RichardBronosky, and sarelon. Thanks for all your fantastic ideas, everyone!

Q: Where did you get the theme music?

A: Previous episodes of Linux Reality used: “The Number is Three” by Matthew Hall which can be found at the Podsafe Music Network, “Loop-o-Plane” by Jeff Wahl which can be found at Magnatune, and “Sandoway” by The Exotics. Currently, the music used is “World Turned Upside Down” by Bombskare (intro and first bumper), “Merrigan’s Reel” by Jim Fidler (tips), “That’s No Dream” by Derek K. Miller (feedback), and “Onions A Go-Go” by The Original Onions (closing).