Downloading is exactly what it says: you load a copy of a file from a server to your local computer. Basic error correction technology built in TCP makes sure that you receive every bit and byte. The error correction is bad for audiovisual content since it requires a large overhead in the connection. Another problem is that you have to wait until the complete file is on your computer before you can use it. Some players fake streaming by measuring how fast a file is downloaded and start playing it during the download, this is called "Fast Start". This results in those annoying hickups. Another problem is that webservers aren't capable of sending a lot of simultaneous audio and video files.

A streaming server only sends streaming data right to the streaming client. No data is saved to the harddisk in this process. The rtsp and mms protocols uses UDP which has no error correction. (The player and server use better error correction technology which prevents data loss as far as possible but don't require a large amount of overhead). The stream is buffered at the client side so possible dips can be overcome. This is just an example of the smart technology used in streaming software. Since server and player software are optimized for realtime content distribution, the overall experience using streaming is *far superior* opposed to downloading. Note: streaming servers can tunnel mms/rtsp streams through HTTP, so content still can't easily be downloaded, but will still get through firewalls. Some other servers (Icecast) fake a stream and do send a regular file over HTTP (progressive download).

To be able to hear the audio on videos, you must have a working sound card and your computer speakers turned on with the volume set at an appropriate level.  If you still receive video without audio, verify that your system audio works by playing another audio application and/or checking your speaker and headphone wires.

• Windows Media Player Website www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.mspx
• Acquiring WMP- Download Site www.microsoft.com/.../download.aspx

• Video Does not open when clicked on
  First, make sure that your Internet connection is working -- go to a site like www.yahoo.com  or www.cnn.com , it’s very rare that these sites are not working. Once you’ve established that your Internet connection is working, make sure you have downloaded and installed the Windows Media Player 9. You may need to re-install the Windows Media Player 9.
• Audio but no Video
  This is usually caused by one of two things -- either your connection to the Internet is too slow to view this particular video or you don’t have the newest version of the Windows Media Player. If your connection to the Internet OR to that particular server is very slow all you may be able to do is hear audio.
• Choppy Video
  This is most likely due to the speed at which data is reaching your computer over the Internet. A faster connection will generally mean better video.
• Keeps Buffering
  Windows Media Player will attempt to “store up” frames of video to insure a smooth playback / viewing experience. Lots of “buffering” coupled with the video stopping and starting usually indicates that you have a slow connection to the Internet. You could also be sharing your connection with others, which can cause buffering.

Microsoft has provided an extensive list of error codes and what they mean. You can read about them here:
support.microsoft.com/.../wmperrcode_main.asp

There may be some problems that you're not able to solve such as network issues from your ISP. If you've tried everything from your side, you may wish to notify your ISP to see if they are having any network problems.

• Bandwidth Negotiation Technology
  Bandwidth Negotiation technology is the process by which we create many versions of one audio/video piece. In most cases we create 3 versions of each.  Each version is set up to best suit either a 28.8k modem, a 56k modem or a DSL/Cable Modem/Corporate LAN. When someone wants to view and/or listen they will see and hear the version that is best suited to their system. 
  
  Therefore,  if you have a 28.8 modem you will get the version that best suits a 28.8 modem.   If you have the fastest connection available you will see and hear the best quality audio and video available with NO DOWNLOAD TIME!!!
  
  DRM (Digital Rights Management) -Referring to any of several technical methods used to handle the description, layering, analysis, valuation, trading and monitoring of the rights held over a digital work. In the widest possible sense, the term refers to any such management.
   www.microsoft.com/.../default.aspx
• Download License- some media files require that you download a licence in order to view that particular file, in such case a link is provided, simply click and download.

The purpose of a firewall is security, but it may also block your access to content such as streaming video. If your network connection is hooked up to more than one computer using a router or switch, you almost certainly by default have a firewall that will block the video. The solution: turn off the firewall. To do that, check the documentation that came with your router or switch, or simply plug your computer directly into your network connection and bypass your router or switch.
www.microsoft.com/.../firewall.mspx

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- If you plan on viewing more than 15 programs per month, or if you want to just listen while multitasking at home or office, you can throttle back the video portion of  your  media player.
- With Windows Media Player, you select TOOLS, OPTIONS, PERFORMANCE tab… and choose… 28k Modem, APPLY, OK.
- In the future, if you want to view Broadband again, reset this to Auto Detect Connection Speed.