Streaming media is media (e.g., text, audio, video, graphics, animation) that can be played while it is still being received. Streaming media is not downloaded and stored on your computer, although, in some cases, small buffers may temporarily store the media while it is playing, then empty themselves to make room for new incoming media. Many news Web sites deliver daily news and small videos through streaming media by using a media player embedded in the Web browser. Some common (streaming) media players are Apple iTunes 
, Apple QuickTime Player , RealNetworks RealPlayer , and Microsoft Windows Media Player .
Streaming media is different from downloaded media, which must be stored on your computer before it can be played. Downloadable media cannot be played while it is downloading to your computer.
There are no known virus or spyware attacks associated with streaming media, but there are certain legal and copyright issues involved with it.
Protective Measures
Practices
-
Only access streaming media from trusted sites: Always use well-known and trusted Web sites when streaming media. Although virus attacks should be impossible with streaming media, denial of service attacks are a possible threat.
Legal Issues
Legal
There is software available on the Internet that allows you to record streaming media and then copy and distribute it. This is a violation of copyright law and should be avoided.
References
- Streaming Media (Wikipedia)
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