What do I need to get Started?

Podcasting via iTunes U is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to provide media rich audio and enhanced supplemental content to students, faculty, and staff. Below you will find information regarding the essential and optional hardware, software, and systems requirements that you will need in order to develop podcasts.

Computer and Internet Hardware Requirements

You will need to have either a Macintosh or Windows computer with the following minimum system capabilities.

Macintosh:

  • Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
  • 500MHz G3 processor or better
  • QuickTime 6.5.2 or later
  • 256MB RAM
  • Broadband Internet connection (DSL/Cable/LAN)
  • Internal or External Microphone

If you will be designing video podcasts your system will need to meet the following minimum requirements:

  • 1 GHz G4 processor or better
  • 16MB video RAM

Windows:

  • Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 or later or Windows XP
  • 500 MHz Pentium class processor or better
  • 256MB RAM
  • Broadband Internet connection (DSL/Cable/LAN)
  • Internal or External Microphone

If you will be designing video podcasts your system will need to meet the following minimum requirements:

  • 2.0 GHz Pentium class processor or better
  • 512MB RAM
  • 32MB video RAM

Software Requirements

At minimum, you will need to have a software application that will allow you to record audio for audio podcasts. If you intend to do video podcasts or enhanced podcasts you will need to have more sophisticated software. Here are some of the most common software applications for recording and creating podcasts.

Recommended Audio Podcasting Software

Recommended Enhanced and Video Podcasting Software

* If buying additional hardware or software from Apple for podcasting, remember to use Western's educational discount through the Western Illinois University Apple Store located at: http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/EducationIndividualCustom?qprm=
48563&type=higherEd

Optional Hardware

Microphones

Note: The Interactive Multimedia Lab located in Horrabin Hall 104 has a variety of hardware and software packages available to be used within the lab. Training is also available. To set up an appointment phone (309) 298-3076.