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Streaming vs. Downloading
Streaming:
Playing a file as it downloads, without having to wait for the download to finish.
Downloading:
The file is copied from the Web sever to your computer.
Most people prefer Streaming to Downloading unless. . . there is "network
congestion". Usually "network congestion" happens only on days ending
in "y". On those days, streaming is something like:
wait_for_buffering-play-stop-wait-play-hiss-play-plop-hiss-forget_it. Then the
preference switches quickly to Downloading.
 | Windows Media Player + Internet Explorer
 | The Windows Media Player has a very nice feature when used with internet
Explorer: the music starts playing as soon as the download starts.
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| If the download is faster than the playback, the music will play without
any interruptions, it will "stream". Most 28.8 and above modems should be
capable of downloading fast enough to allow streaming.
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| If the download is slower than
the playback, the music will play with interruptions (will stutter). That's easy to
fix: stop (or pause) the playback for a while (you may continue browsing). When the
download is finished (or almost finished) click play and you will listen to uninterrupted
music.
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| Another reason for stuttering is that your player is not equipped to
decode MP3 files. That can be fixed with an upgrade.
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| Windows Media Player + Netscape Navigator
| The Windows Media Player will work with Navigator. If Navigator is
not already configured to use the Windows Media Player for playback of MP3 files, it can
be easily configured.
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| There are hundreds of Media and MP3 Players on the market, with various features. Here are some of them. Most are
immediately available for download, and they work with any browser. |
| Exercise caution:
 | Code Bloat: Many 3-rd party players are loaded with lots of
features. While that may appeal to some users, others might find no use for many of
these functions. |
| Instability: Some 3-rd party players add or replace
system files and make changes to the Registry. Replaced system files add to the
instability of the operating system and can create conflicts with other applications. |
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| We recommend the Windows Media Player
not because of some special allegiance to Windows or its makers. We recommend it
because it is part of the Operating System and does not delete any system files or create
any conflicts. Undoubtedly the MP3 enabled Media Player will be "standard
equipment" on any future versions of the operating system. |
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