Entry 7 - Streaming

What is Streaming?
According to Wikipedia, streaming media is "multimedia that is constantly received by and presented to an end-user while being delivered by a provider." Streaming usually refers to listening or watching digital content through the internet. Streaming allows people to watch content without first downloading a file. However, unlike downloaded files, streaming services are dependent on Internet connection. If there are problems with Internet connection, streaming tends to become slow or stops working entirely. Popular streaming services include Netflix and YouTube.

How this relates to Computer Science
Streaming is related to computer science because all streaming is dependent on Internet access. In order to play a stream media, computers require plug-ins or stand-alone players. These players allow the computer to access and play the media files. It is important to note that streamed files are never saved to the computer. Computer science is needed to make these media players function properly. Streaming technology has increased greatly over the last decade and now it is even possible for regular people to live stream (deliver content in real time). Streaming technology continues to improve to create an enjoyable watching experience.

References
1. Wilson, Tracy V. "How Streaming Video and Audio Work." HowStuffWorks. N.p., 12 Oct. 2007. Web.
2. "Streaming media." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.