What is an MP3 audio file?
MP3 is the name of a newer, very popular digital format for audio. By using "file compression technology" the MP3 format can squeeze lots of high quality audio in a very small space. For example, the digital format used for the last two decades on audio CDs can only hold 80 minutes of sound recording on one Audio CD. But with the MP3 digital format, it is possible to hold nearly twenty three hours of high-quality audio on one CD-Rom! The only catch is that you need a MP3-compatible player to listen to it. But more and more products are now MP3-compatible. Many DVD players and newer CD players and all computers can play MP3 recordings. The small file size also makes it easy to download MP3 audio from our website.
By using the MP3 audio format, you can also purchase and immediately download any lecture from our catalog.
How do I download a file?
Upon purchase of a lecture, your membership account will display links to the downloadable files. After you click on the "Download Now" link, the download will begin. Some times you will be asked to run or save the file. Always answer "SAVE". You will then be asked where to save the file. Choose the download destination in your hard drive and remember the drive letter and directory. Windows normally add it to the "Downloads" directory. Downloaded files are delivered in a sort of "envelope" which is the "zip file" format. If we don't do that, some internet browsers will just open the file without letting you download and save the audio or image file. To listen to the lecture you will need to first extract the audio file from this zip archive.
What is a "zip file"?
A zip file is a special way of packaging files for transport. The file you download will be a zip file, and this "package" contains your audio mp3 file. Windows XP in most countries has a utility to unzip this file. Just click on the zip file and it will open just like a directory folder and give you access to the lecture MP3. You may "extract" or copy the file from the zip file to another folder if you wish.
With
some
operating
systems you may
need to install a separate zip file utility to open the zip file.
Popular add-in programs to handle zip files include WinZip for Windows
systems, and ZipIt for Apple Mac systems. This very good and FREE
unzip/zip tool can be downloaded from https://www.7-zip.org
How long does it take to download a lecture?
Each
lecture
file
is between 6 and 30 MB in size. Download time is less than 1 min.
with a broadband (DSL or
Cable) internet connection.
What if I have trouble downloading a file?
When you purchase a downloadable file, we provide 5 download "events" over a 5 day period from the time of purchase to obtain the file. If you have any problems completing the file download, let us know and we will provide you more download opportunities.
If you are subject to a less reliable dialup connection it can occasionally be difficult to complete a large file download (the audio files being 6-30 MB in size). Because of the secure nature of the download file delivery system we use, some "download manager" programs may not be able to make repeat connections to our file delivery system if the internet connection is lost during download. Let us know when you have problems with this.
How do I listen to a lecture?
The lectures are in "MP3" format. Over the last decade this has become the most popular and common format for audio files. Almost any computer can play MP3 files, and it is very likely your computer already has the software installed to play MP3 audio. Windows XP and higher versions have a build-in Media Player. When you click on the mp3 file, Windows opens and plays the file. With the same program you can even copy the audio file to a CD disk.
Most newer Audio CD players can now also handle MP3 files that have been copied or "burned" to a recordable CD -- many computers have CD-R (or CD-RW) drives installed and can write CDs. Newer car audio systems can also frequently play MP3 files on CD-Rom and almost all MMP (Multi-Media Players)can play this format.
What computer software do I need to listen to an MP3 file?
All computers will already have MP3 audio software
installed. When the
software is properly installed and configured, just click on the MP3
file and it should start playing.
Apple's Mac PCs can play MP3
files without problems.
Some Mac PC's after downloading the zip file, unzip the
lecture and start playing it in iTunes. If your Mac PC just
downloads the file, find it and right-click on it. Don't try to open
the file with the default program "Archive Utility.app" but select
"Other" and find "Stuffit Expander" or another program that works.
Newer versions use other utilities.
How do I copy a downloaded lecture to a CD?
Again,
Windows
build
in Media Player lets you "copy" the MP3 file to a CD that
can be played in almost all CD players. Only some very old players
might give you problems. You can also use many programs like Nero, Sony
SoundForge, DAK Audio Editor and many other purchased and free programs
to "burn" audio CDs. All new PCs with a CD/DVD drive can burn
files to disks.
A single CD can hold up to 80 minutes of audio in the conventional format. If your CD deck can play mp3 files. you can store almost 20 times as much on one disk.
How do I listen to lectures while driving?
If you don't like to fiddle with CDs while driving, Get yourself a small MMP-to-FM car radio adapter for around $20. This tiny device plugs into the cigarette lighter socket and you plug the cord from the mp3 player into it. The little FM transmitter then plays the recording directly over your car radio. A unit I use is made by Vector Products, Inc.
What about copying and sharing the lectures?
All lectures are copyrighted, and we kindly ask you to respect that copyright. We have made every effort to keep the price to you at a minimum. Substantial efforts are involved in capturing, converting and editing the lectures. Besides that, every download incurs bank fees, taxes, and conversion charges. To setup and maintain our presence on the internet also costs some money. Dr. Baker's and our mission is to make the Ancient Wisdom available to you affordable and immediate. Your support and honesty is absolutely essential to make this a reality. If you want to share, please buy another copy, or just refer your friends here to the store. "May the Lords of Karma always smile upon you"
Can I "return" a lecture for a refund?
We cannot offer refunds on downloaded items. We make available to you several FREE excerpts or complete lectures (see "Free Lectures") so that you may evaluate the quality of it's content. These lectures were recorded many times under technically "trying" circumstances but we feel the quality of Dr. Baker's dynamic and easy to understand presentations more than makes up for shortcomings in sound quality. First try the free lectures and see if they cause your inner being to respond.
Feel free to contact us at wisdom@douglasbaker.org with any related problems or suggestions you may have.
