This article explains a bit about listening to sound files online, and how it can be made easier.
MP3 files
All talks on this site are stored as MP3 files. These are a compressed format, designed to be more easily downloaded to a computer. Most modern computers, whether running Windows or Macintoshes, have built-in software to play MP3 files, and the MP3s on this site will play happily through these.
In order to make it easier to listen to the talks, the quality of the MP3 has been set to a level that makes the talks clear, but reduces the size of the files. This means that the talks will play more easily for those without a broadband internet connection.
Downloading or streaming?
There are two ways you can listen to a sound file on this site, referred to as downloading and streaming. When you download a file, you save it to your computer, and the file slowly transfers to your machine. During the period it is transferring, you cannot listen to it. Due to the length of some talks, if you are downloading them without a broadband internet connection, download can typically take half an hour or more. The advantage is that you then have the file to play again and again if required. To download a file, use the right mouse button to click on the download picture and select something that says "Save link as" or "Save target as".
If you just want to listen to the talks, a better method is to stream the file. As long as you are on a fairly recent version of Windows or Mac OS, then your computer should be able to do this automatically.
Simply click on the file normally. The file will start to be transferred to you, and as soon as enough has been received to start listening (a process known as "buffering") you will start to hear sound. The file will continue to transfer while you are listening to it, without interruption. This is a much quicker process. The MP3 files on this site have deliberately been prepared to stream over a normal modem connection without delays.
Passing the files around
Please be aware that the sound files on this site are copyright. Please do not distribute them without permission. If you wish to draw someone's attention to a particular talk, please simply pass them the web address of that talk (from the top of your browser).
Recording Quality
Please also be aware that while every effort has been taken to ensure that the quality of the recordings is of the highest standard this is by no means gauranteed. Sometimes there may be difficulties in the recording process that results in low sound quality and incomplete recordings. | 
