According to Netlingo, an award-winning collector of technology terms, a download involves a transfer of a file. The file is saved on your computer. Downloads from the Internet come in HTTP format, mp3, wav or email attachments, etc. Streaming creates an entirely different process. It entails a real-time, live flow of digital information across a network through an Internet host. The media clip never resides on your computer. One is simply entering and exiting the stream as needed in order to gain access to the information. The Nature of Downloading and Streaming Both options give a consumer access to what they would like to read, view or listen. Which one is better depends on a number of factors including the Internet experience as consumer or provider. Here are some things to consider: • What hardware is present in your computer? • What software is loaded in your computer? • Is it a file you would like to view once or many times? Computers need a certain level of graphics card, audio cards or speed of play to use a file. If the hardware lacks any of these, it may prevent the file from playing or it may play so erratically that you cannot readily view it.
Image via Flickr
Most computers come with adequate software to play basic digital files, but the ever-evolving media clips with multiple layers of music, text or graphics often need the latest versions to play fully. Downloading may become a problem, so a computer (which is more basic) may handle music streaming better. The Internet host server actually houses the software to be used, and your computer only needs to access the music streaming.
Files open through software programs that are installed on your computer. Files viewed often make the most sense for download. But there are instances when you can download a file and not be able to open it.
If no software is available, then use streaming since everything comes housed on the server. Media files take up space on a computer’s hard drive. Streaming from a host site leaves your computer memory free for other things.
Image via Flickr
Providers have more advantages with streaming. The product being streamed quickly becomes updated since their servers house the program. The digital codes for the media clips are only transmitted and they never leave the provider’s server, so distribution becomes controllable.
My Music: To Stream or To Download
The battle between Music Streaming vs. Music Downloading has intensified. Find out how:
Music downloading services successfully brought the purchasing of music media to an all time high. Music is created and is sold more, faster and easier than ever. Companies such as iTunes, Napster, or Amazon mp3 offer individual song downloads to your heart’s content at 99 cents.
As long as you have the money and enough computer space, you can download and organize music from sunrise till twilight.
Music streaming, on the other hand, broadens the array of songs available. Subscription services such as Spotify, Turntable, and Mog expose a member to innovative, indie, and alternative options. Media clips are no longer filtered by a corporation or business, but comes direct to the consumer.
So which one’s better? You pick. After all, it’s your choice, your music, your way.