Podcast FAQ
Podcast Quick Help
Podcast Archives
To listen to and download sermons or Bible classes from previous Podcasts, click here.
Podcast FAQ
If you’re new to Podcasting or digital audio, check out the Podcast FAQ here. .
Introduction
“Podcasting” is a concept that may not be familiar to all of our readers. Therefore, the following list of “frequently asked questions” or FAQ has been provided to help answer some of the most likely issues and concerns that may arise. If you have a question not covered here, please let us know.
- What is a “Podcast?”
- Do I have to have an “iPod” to listen to a Podcast?
- How do I “subscribe” to a Podcast?
- Do I have to use the iTunes software to subscribe to a Podcast?
- Do I have to “subscribe” to a Podcast to listen?
- What is an mp3 file?
Questions
What is a “Podcast?”
A Podcast is similar to a television broadcast or show. In fact, the word “Podcast” is formed by combining the word “pod” (for Apple’s iPod brand mobile media players) and the word “broadcast.” In much the same way as you can set your VCR or DVR to record episodes of a particular program on your TV, a Podcast allows you to subscribe to and recieve digital audio and video files that you can then play on your computer or mobile device.
Do I have to have an “iPod” to listen to a Podcast?
No. An iPod is simply a mobile digital audio player. Any software (mobile or otherwise) that is capable of decoding files in mp3 format can be used to listen to the files made avialable via a Podcast. However, to benefit from the “subscription” nature of a Podcast, your software must support the Podcast subscription mechanism. Otherwise, you will not be able to automatically recieve new “episodes” as they become available.
How do I “subscribe” to a Podcast?
To “subscribe” to a Podcast you’ll need a Podcast “reader” installed on your computer. Apple’s iTunes is the first and by far most common reader available. It is available at http://www.apple.com/itunes/download as a free download. Simply download the software and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the software is installed correctly close and restart any web browsers you may have open. Then simply go to the Podcast Center Home Page and click the “Subscribe” link for the Podcast you are interested in.
Please note: The installation and support of these software products is not supported by JustChristians.com. Please research the alternatives carefully and refer to their documentation or support for any neccessary help.
Do I have to use the iTunes software to subscribe to a Podcast?
No. While iTunes may be the most popular choice for managing Podcasts, there are a number of free or low-cost options. Simply do a Google search for “podcast reader” to locate a number of options.
Please note: The installation and support of these software products is not supported by JustChristians.com. Please research the alternatives carefully and refer to their documentation or support for any neccessary help.
Do I have to “subscribe” to a Podcast to listen?
No. All Podcast episodes provided on JustChristians.com are also provided for direct download as MP3 files. Simply choose the download link next to the episode description and save the file to your computer. You can then play the file using any mp3 player, such as Windows Media Player.
The advantage to “subscribing” to a Podcast is that you will automatically receive new episodes as they are made available without having to check back with the site providing the content you are interested in. Once your reader is subscribed to a Podcast it will automatically monitor it for new content.
What is an mp3 file?
mp3 is a widely supported format for storing digital audio. Most computers already have software installed that can decode and play audio files in this format.