iTunes U is a cross-platform multimedia distribution system for colleges and universities hosted by Apple. DePaul's related audio and video content is made freely available to staff, faculty, students and alumni, as well as to the general public. This content can be easily accessed and downloaded via Apple's popular iTunes application or other podcast-capable software programs
What is podcasting?
What differentiates a podcast from downloading or streaming audio is the delivery channel. Podcasts can be delivered to subscribers via a Really Simple Syndication (RSS) channel. This RSS feed contains a reference to the original audio file and delivers it to those who have previously subscribed. Like a magazine subscription for rich media, the RSS feed can deliver many types of content -- audio, video, and PDFs are just a few. There are dozens of tools one can use to subscribe to an RSS podcast feed.
Do I need to have an iPod or a Mac?
No. The iTunes application is available for both Windows and Mac. The audio content available through DePaul University on iTunes U is encoded in standard MP3 format, and is playable on a wide-variety of portable media devices. As well, the video content is encoded in standard MPEG-4 format, which is supported by a number of cross-platform video applications.
What if I have Windows? Can I still install iTunes?
Yes. Apple has a Windows 2000/XP version of iTunes which you may download freely from its website.
Is DePaul University on iTunes U part of the iTunes Music Store?
No. The content offered through DePaul University on iTunes U is stored separately from the content offered within the iTunes Music Store. You can only access DePaul University on iTunes U by first visiting itunes.depaul.edu.
Will I have to pay to access DePaul University on iTunes U?
No. You may freely preview and download all of the content to which you have access within DePaul University on iTunes U.
The search is not returning anything from DePaul University. Is there something wrong?
The search function currently references the iTunes Music Store. DePaul University on iTunes U content is catalogued separately, so it will not be found in a search at the moment.
Can I access DePaul University on iTunes U without opening a browser first?
No. The only way for Apple to know what content you're allowed to access is for us to verify your identity. For that reason, you must access DePaul University on iTunes U via itunes.depaul.edu
In Windows, I get an error which reads: "An external application must be launched to handle itmss links. Requested link: ..." followed by a long URL. Then I'm warned about a possible attempt to exploit a weakness in iTunes. Do I need to worry?
No, this is normal behavior in Windows and you can safely allow iTunes to open the link. The reason you get the warning is because we must send Apple a long URL describing what access you have to iTunes U when you log into DePaul University's iTunes U portal site. In return, Apple sends you a URL redirecting your browser to open iTunes with your access privileges. To Windows, this appears to be suspicious behavior. But it's safe to allow iTunes to open the URL.
I can see other playlists in iTunes belonging to other people. Has someone hacked my computer?
No. iTunes has the ability to stream music from playlists found on a local network. The owners of those playlists have setup iTunes so that they can share their music with you. You cannot copy music files found on remote playlists to your own computer. However, you can listen to the music you find there.
Will I be able to use another music player, such as a Microsoft Zune, Creative Zen, Sony PSP, iRiver, or SanDisk player, with DePaul University on iTunes U?
For the most part, yes. There is support in iTunes for most third-party players. Please note, however, that audio content recorded using the AAC codec (including music purchased from Apple) will likely only work with iPods. MP3 and MPEG-4 content, on the other hand, should work with most any player capable of playing it. Nearly all music players will play MP3 content and practically any video player can handle MPEG-4 content. iTunes U does not use any digital rights management, so content that you download can usually be made to play on any reasonable device.
