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Think of podcasting like a subscription to a newspaper. All you need to do is "subscribe" to a podcast (also referred to as a "newsfeed" or RSS) and you'll receive updated content (in this case, an audio message) automatically!

Contrary to popular belief, and even though the name implies the requirement of an iPod, you actually don't need an iPod to subscribe to podcasts. All you need is a computer, some software, and an internet connection. Here's how to do it:

Step One: Install iTunes

iTunes is a music program, yes, but it's also designed to receive podcasts. The latest version of iTunes is available directly from Apple's website. iTunes is free and is available for both Mac and PC.

Step Two: Subscribe

Next you must subscribe to our podcast. All you have to do is click one of the available podcast links (in the box to the left) and iTunes will launch and go directly to our podcast profile. You'll see our podcast preview image as well as a listing of the recent 10 messages. (You can download an individual message from here, also.) Click the "subscribe" button to subscribe to the podcast.

Step Three: Download

As soon as you've successfully subscribed, the latest message will automatically begin downloading and you will see the previous 9 messages listed (but greyed out). Please allow some time for the download, since the file size can be large depending on sermon length. After it is complete, you may begin listening to the message.

If you'd like to download previous messages, simply hit the "get" button next to their name.

Step Four: Sync

Before syncing with your iPod, you must ensure you have the latest iPod software installed on the iPod. Visit Apple's iPod software page to download it. This makes it so your iPod can transfer and understand the podcast and list it correctly. Follow all the instructions given to update and install the software on your iPod.

After you have updated your iPod, make sure it is plugged in and listed in iTunes in the Sources pane. If iTunes does not automatically sync the podcasts, go to the File menu and select "Update iPod" to manually sync. The new message (podcast) will be listed under the "Podcast" menu on your iPod (Music > Podcasts). Your iPod will remember where you stopped listening so that you don't have to scrub through the message.

You can change your preferences (the way podcasts are updated on your iPod) by pressing the "settings" button. The Podcast preference window appears -- now press the "iPod Preferences" button. You may choose to only have certain podcasts synced, or select how are synced (for example, you may only want the messages you haven't listened to do be synced).

Advanced Users: