What is a "Podcast"?
Quite simply, "podcast" is any audio or video file available for download on the internet.

How is this different from "Streaming"?
In "streaming", you go to the website - in our case our sermon page, click the message you wish to listen to, then enjoy. But you must be at your computer (you can't take it with you) and you may have to check back often to see if it is updated. With a podcast, your software(reader) will automatically check for you, and if you have an iPod or other mp3 player, you can take the message "on the road".
Think of "streaming" as going to the library to read a newspaper and "podcasting" as having it delivered to your doorstep.

How much does it cost?
Podcast reader software is free.

Do I have to have an iPod?
No. But if you want to take the sermon with you, you will need some sort of portable mp3 player.

Then why the name "Podcast"?
That just kind of happened as a result of the popularity of the iPod.

Do I have to use iTunes?
No, but you will need some type of podcasting software - called a "feed reader". All are available free for download. iTunes is just very common. Other options are Zune from Microsoft, Juice, Google reader(may require a gmail account) and a host of others. 

Which reader should I use?
Sorry, we can't advise you on that - or whether you should buy a Ford or Chevrolet. It's all personal preference. The nice thing about podcast readers is that since they are free, you can always try another one.

Will one of these programs open me up to spam, spyware or slowdown my computer?
Not generally. If you stick with one of the popular ones and opt out of the "sign up for this or that offer" during the initial process, you should be fine. They don't get to be popular by making people's lives miserable.

OK, now what do I do?
Once you have your feed reader, you need to subscribe to the feed.
If you chose iTunes, you can go to the iTunes store and type First Presbyterian Pompano into the search bar and it will find us. Click "subscribe".
If you opted for one of the other readers, follow the "Subscribe" instructions for it and enter this URL when it tells you to:
http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/1351/podcast1.xml

Then what?
Everytime we upload a new sermon message, it will automatically appear in your feed reader. When you plug your mp3 player in, it will automatically sync for you. That's it!

Take me back to the online sermon page.