Listen to podcasts through Windows Vista and never see a bad movie again

They might not top Gordon Brown's list of threats to peace, but if you needed two things that show how close our world is to the end of days, you need only look at the state of American movies and British radio.

Both exist merely to sell advertising, and both distribute emotionally bland, incoherant, recycled rubbish that should be deleted, burned, buried and generally eradicated out of existence. And yet, like some terrible unstoppable alien menace from one of these very movies, they just keep coming along.

It's an unfortunate state of affairs, as both the concepts of movies and radio are things we've traditionally cherished. Movies can move people, make them laugh, or shock and scare them. Radio can inform, educate, and bring new viewpoints and fresh music to our ears.

And despite what the naysayers say, there's still a few examples still blessed with such power. Finding the willpower to trawl through the trash to find the good stuff is another matter, however.

Rejoyce though, for there is an answer - podcasts. These are little nuggets from radio shows, whether from broadcast or online stations (or even just some guy chattering into a microphone attached to his PC), which can then be downloaded as digital audio files to listen to at your leisure. Podcasting has gone far beyond commercial radio stations now - basically, you name any specialists interest, from music to sport to birdwatching to stamp collecting, and you can bet there's a cast for it somewhere.

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The usual way of obtaining podcasts is similar to news feeds for web sites. You subscribe to one and whatever your preferred podcast program will automatically download the latest episode when released. Apple's iTunes is perhaps the best-known podcast grabber, but really that's only because it can then upload them to an iPod. There are plenty of alternatives to get hold of podcasts in Windows Vista, and you can use Windows Media Player to synch them to other types of portable music players.

With the potential to download these shows now demonstrated, this only leaves the hardest question unanswered - which podcasts do you want? If it's radio you love, then looking at the BBC web site should be a priority. The BBC now makes its most interesting discussions, interviews and even shows available online within 24 hours of the original broadcast. It's also worth looking at a directory site such as Podcast.net or Podcast Alley and pick a few you like the sound of.

If you're into movies though, then there's only one real answer. The podcast of film critic Mark Kermode is usually available online every saturday morning, giving you a brutally honest opinions on the movie releases for that week (Check out his scathing attack on Pirates of the Caribbean 3). Even more refreshing is his breakdown of the BBFC rating given, and elaborate on whether a film is suitable to the audience legally allowed to see it. So for those who want to spend their money wisely, and guarentee the film will be suitable for the audience they're taking, here's a step-by-step walk-through on how to subscribe:

1. Install an app

There are any number of podcast applications available, but give Doppler a try. Install it from dopplerradio.net, then go to Edit and Add Feed. Copy and paste http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/downloadtrial/bbcradiofivelive/kermodeandmayo-videopodcast/rss.xml into the entry form.

2. Up-to-date

Clicking on File > Retrieve will download the latest updates for each podcast. However, go to Tools > Scheduling and you can tell Doppler when and how often to check for and grab new show automatically. As the show goes out every Friday, you can let Doppler know to pick it up every saturday morning.

3. Showtime

Each podcast will quickly amass multiple instalments; clicking on the name of a cast in the top-left pane of Doppler will reveal all its indvidual shows in the top right. You can play each from here with the controls underneath. Enjoy!

4. Archive access

Many podcasts have archives available; you can stream ones you don't have by choosing them from the list on the right. Alternatively, a right-click of the podcast feed on the left offers an option to Download specific podcasts.

5. Pod Play

Finally, go to Tools > Options > Media Player and select Manual (advanced). Select Add to Windows Media Player from the list underneath, and from then on each podcast appears as a playlist in Windows Media Player.