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Progressive downloading of files is a cross between downloading a file and playing streaming media. When a file is downloaded traditionally, the entire file must be copied to your computer before you can play it. This is not necessary with a progressively downloaded file.
Like streaming media, you can begin to play a progressively downloaded file without having the entire file on your computer first. Unlike streaming media, however, the entire progressively downloaded file remains on your computer after you have finished playing the content.
Typically, you obtain progressively downloaded files the same way you play streaming media files—by clicking a link on a Web page. The content provider determines whether the file is streamed, progressively downloaded, or traditionally downloaded to your computer.