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Streaming media is a technology for delivering audio, video, or multimedia files across a network without waiting for the entire file to download. When you click on an Internet link to open a streaming media file, a small amount of the file is downloaded and stored in a buffer. This is called buffering. The file then begins to play. As more information in the file is streamed to the player, the player continues to buffer information before playing it. The player does this so that if traffic on the Internet interrupts the flow of information, there will be no breaks or interference with the file as it plays. If the data in the buffer runs out, only then will you notice a break as the file plays.
You may also notice that the player alerts you that it is buffering information. All streaming Windows Media files buffer before they begin playing. Unlike downloading a file, streaming files do not leave data on the hard drive when they are done playing.
Windows Media Player also supports intelligent streaming, which monitors network conditions and automatically makes adjustments to ensure the best reception and playback.