Streaming vs Downloading?

[Nort807]

Can you explain the main difference between streaming and downloading? Do I need different hosting plans to implement both techniques?

[Jordan]

See http://forums.devstart.com/showthread.php?t=8036

I am not aware of specific server-side requirements for either, so the only thing that limits downloads and streamed content is the maximum amount of monthly traffic allowed by the host.

[milkie]

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.






You can read more about all the three ( actually there are three types: streaming, downloading and fast downloading) at http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/5a0d182e-0ef4-407b-8b53-4c8ccb173b691033.mspx?mfr=true

I think streaming is supported today in the hosting plans of the majority providers. My host Serverpoint.com offer this in the hosting plans
http://serverpoint.com/english/web-hosting-table.phtml

[lobotomir]

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't streaming possible over practically any generic http connection? I mean, the hosting company does not need any special technology for streaming content, apart from a basic http server, as long as the browser on the other side has the capability to start playing the media as it downloads.

So in this case that would be the hosting company telling the layman "Yes, you can stream movies and music" rather than actually supporting some specific streaming technology on the server.