What is a channel?

A "channel" is a Web site designed to deliver content from the Internet to your computer. You can view these Web pages without having to mark the pages for offline viewing or set up a schedule for updating the content. But with channels the content provider can suggest a schedule for updating the content, or you can customize your own schedule. Also, with a channel you don't see just a Web page, you also get a rich map of the Web site, which enables you to quickly select and view the content you want.

Here's how channels work:

• Add channels through the Channel Guide, where you can view a list of channels available through the Microsoft Web site. This list is updated frequently with the latest offerings from new and existing content providers. In addition to the Channel Guide, content providers can also provide access to channels directly from their Web sites.

• Add channels to your Favorites list. If you want to, you can also mark a channel for offline viewing when you add it to the list.

• Organize your channels as you would your favorite pages or any other folder—add and delete Web sites and specify which Web sites are listed.

• View a channel, whether or not you have marked it for offline viewing, just by clicking it in the Channels folder in your Favorites list.

• View channels the way you want to—in the browser, in a full-screen window, as a desktop item, or as your screen saver.

The following topics provide more information: