RSS FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a feed (RSS)?
A feed, also known as RSS feeds, XML feeds, syndicated content, or web feeds, is frequently updated content published by a website. They are usually used for news and blog websites, but are also used for distributing other types of digital content, including pictures, audio files, or video. Feeds can also be used to deliver audio content (usually in MP3 format) which you can listen to on your computer or MP3 player. This is referred to as podcasting.  You can also subscribe to feeds to automatically check for and download updates that you can view later.  If you are using Internet Explorer, it can discover and display feeds as you visit websites.

What does RSS mean?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, and is used to describe the technology used in creating feeds.

So, when I subscribe to the St. Mark's RSS, will I be able to automatically listen to the sermon in my web browser?
The answer is "Yes", with some explaination. 

Basically, when you subscribe to the feed, you will be notified when a new sermon is uploaded based the following most common means:

If you are using Microsoft Office Outlook 2007, the feed will be saved in your RSS feed folder.

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer 7, the feed will be saved in your "Favorites RSS" feeds.

In Mozilla Firefox, your subscription can be saved in several locations.  Once you choose the location, it will become the default RSS Reader.  The various choices in Firefox are:  Live Bookmarks, Microsoft Office Outlook, Bloglines, My Yahoo!, Google or you may choose your own application.

In Apple Safari, the process is a little easier.  Simply click on the RSS icon and you will automatically be subscribed.  The major difference is that you can listen to the sermons immediately from the list by clicking on the MP3 file in the feed list and Apple Quicktime will start the sermon in the Safari browser within a few seconds (based on your connection speed).

Now, to actually listen to the sermon...

From any of the above means, click on the title of the feed which will link you to the Audio Sermons website.  In Microsoft Internet Explorer 7, to listen immediately, click on the  icon next to the sermon you want to listen to.

If you are using Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari as your web browser, simply click on "Download" under the MP3 column and Apple Quicktime will start the sermon in your browswer in a few seconds (based on your connection speed).

If you want to download the sermon, follow the instruction on the site.

How does a feed differ from a website?
A feed can have the same content as a webpage, but it's often formatted differently. When you subscribe, your chosen RSS reader will automatically check the website and download new content so you can see what is new since you last visited the feed.

How can I automatically get updated content?
You can receive content automatically by subscribing to a web feed. When you subscribe to a web feed in Microsoft Internet Explorer 7,  you can set the interval at which Internet Explorer will check the website for updates. Once you've set an interval, Internet Explorer will automatically download the most up-to-date web feed list.  Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 will check for updated feeds when it sends and receives email.

How do I view/subscribe to a feed in Microsoft Internet Explorer?
When you visit a webpage, the Feeds button will change color, letting you know that feeds are available. Click the Feeds button, and then click the feed you want to see. To get content automatically, you should subscribe to a feed.