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 with an auxiliary input that allows me to listen to my iPod on the road. This enables me to hear pertinent, relevant, interesting stuff on my 45 minute drive to and from work. 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 10 podcast recommendations for computer techs:
The Computer Business Podcast - Okay, I’m a bit biased seeing as this is my podcast, but I do honestly think it’s the best computer podcast because I work my butt off to make sure I combine top quality production with focused and actionable content for people looking to start and grow a computer business. I talk about my own business, interview other computer business movers and shakers, and review computer business tools and resources. This podcast has it all!
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.
Mike Tech Show- Featuring the musings and advice of Philadelphia area computer consultant Mike Smith, Mike Tech Show is a weekly podcast with a very homegrown feel to it. But that’s not a bad thing. Mike not only comes a cross as a genuinely nice guy, but he provides helpful information “from the trenches” to computer techs, which makes for a winning combination in my book.
PodNutz- A network of tech podcasts that include the flagship podcast, PodNutz, along with daily and pro versions, and many other podcasts that include topics from Linux to Android.
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.
Computer America- The nation’s longest running nationally syndicated radio talk show on computer. The podcast is a direct copy of the radio show, but usually not available for a few months after the show airs live. Craig Crossman and Carey Holzman provide mostly consumer-level tech news and information, but the wisdom and experience of these guys proves very beneficial.
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.
Security Now – Steve Gibson, a major player in the security software game, brings a weekly podcast of computer security news, tips, and trends.
Many of these podcats also include forums, chat rooms, and live participation with the hosts. So check them out and tell ‘em Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy sent ya!
What podcasts do you listen to? What other podcasts should I include on the list?
So THAT’S why you we inquiring about this on Twitter.
Well, you did a great job! I’m bookmarking this post as we speak. Retweeted! Eric
You got it! I can’t publish a post before pinging my twitter peers for info.
Thanks, hopefully you’ll find something new and useful to listen to!
I think these guys have a podcast http://www.hak5.org I’ve watched the show from their site but almost postitive it’s avail as a podcast also…Great article
Cool suggestion, Dan, that seems like a great show. It looks like they do have a podcast, so I’ll be adding them to my rotation.
That’s an awesome link. Difenetly plan on subscribing to them over iTunes and watching them at lunch, food and tech shows lol.
WOW Matt! You have just as long a commute as I do. How long have you been doing that drive? The only podcast I listen to is This Week in Tech and I’m still backlogged into January with that podcast lol. I probably should consider adding others to my list. Maybe I could make a nice 5 day Tech talk podcast playlist that I can listen to on the way in. A different podcast each day of the week. I will be checking out a few others on this list, definitely need some new tech info.
During the slow times at work I have my tech podcasts going when I’m at my pc. The office is pretty laid back like that, just as long as it doesn’t disturb anyone else. Plus only one of my supervisors was able to pick out John C. Dvorak from TWiT when they stopped by my cube
. Podcasts make me feel uber nerdy and I like it.
Joseph
Hey Joseph,
I’ve been doing that for about 2 years now, and before that my communte was about an hour, so this is actually much nicer than before! I have some coworkers who have even longer communtes than I have. I guess it’s par for the course in this area.
Yeah, I don’t listen to every single episode of all these podcasts every day. Some days I’m in the mood for tech podcasts, some days I’m not. I’ll skip episodes here and there…no biggie. But they’re always on my iPod if I feel the need to listen.
Nothing is more nerdy than a good tech podcast blasting out of your work PC! Nice!
POD casts, huh? This world is changing! I was just thinking about the last time I sat a read an actual book instead of the usual browsing I do of my RSS feeds, etc.
I guess POD casts are the RSS feeds of the audio world!
I think some of these modern influences are adding to my ADD tendencies! Instead of sticking to a book and concentrating on finishing it, I can jump from one article to another! The same with audio, instead of sticking to one station and living with what’s on, I can listen to whatever I want and change it if I get sick of it (I already jump radio stations as commercials come on).
I do like POD casts because I can pop in my headphones an catch up on the latest sermons or POD casts while working my second job! Great list and I’m looking forward to checking them out soon!
Hey Tim,
I can’t help but notice how you’re spelling podcast as two seperate words with POD capitalized. Is there a reason for that? No biggie, it just struck me as odd. =-)
I personally never listen to podcasts other than in my car. I still read books (see previous book reviews on this site), though, it is getting harder to fit that reading time into my day!
I definitely agree that modern tech could wreak havoc on someone with ADD tendancies. But I guess that’s the price we pay for having a world of info at our fingertips!
No reason for the spelling, other than I’m a dork and it stands out!
I filled my half-hour commute to work with a rider (who helps with gas, too!).
OH, and by the way I’m not diagnosed ADD. I’ve wondered before, though. Some day, the one’s with short attention spans will be the normal ones!
Haha, I think that day is here my friend.
Check out the Tech-Vets show (Veterens of Technology) with myself and MikeSmith. Also MikeTechShow.com
Hey Carey,
Yes, Mike Tech Show is already included in this list, and you mentioned my blog once on your Tech Vets show! Both great podcasts for the computer repair tech!
Here’s a few more tech podcasts that might be of interest:
Net at Night
The Computer Action Show
PCMag Radio
Aussie Geek Podcast
Awesome! Those are all new to me, I’ll have to check them out.
Thanks for this astounding tidbit! I will definitely have to implement this in my blog!
Thanks!
Podnutz Pro
Podnutz Daily
My Hard Drive Died with Scott Moulton
Linux For The Rest Of Us – LFTROU
all from Podnutz.com
Seems everything else has mentioned so far
Thanks for the suggestions Liam! I did mention Podnutz in the list, but not those others. I’ve updated the entry to mention that there are other podcasts in the Podnutz network worth checking out.
Just saw this stumbling around your site! Thanks for the great advice…