Streaming Media Basics   What is streaming media? How do I create Windows Media-based content? How do I make my Windows Media-based content available to users? What are the key concepts for streaming Windows Media-based content?     Add a server     Resources on the Web   Windows Media solutions   Learn about Windows Media 9 Series      Developer resources

1. Streaming media is live or pre-recorded audio and video content that is delivered to client computers across a network or the Internet.   2. Unlike files that are downloaded, no data is saved to the user's hard disk when the content has finished streaming.   Understanding streaming media

1. Use Windows Media Encoder or Microsoft Producer to capture and compress your audio and video content into Windows Media Format.   Obtaining content   2. Learn more about the latest authoring tools by visiting the Windows Media 9 Series page at the Microsoft Web site.   Windows Media Web site

1. Put your content into a directory.   2. Create a publishing point that references your content.   3. Use the Announcement Wizard to create an announcement that will direct users to your content.   Streaming from publishing points

1. Two kinds of publishing points that support two kinds of streaming: broadcast and on-demand.   About publishing point types   2. Two methods for streaming live content: unicast and multicast.   Delivering content as a unicast stream   Delivering content as a multicast stream   Selecting unicast vs. multicast distribution

1. Add one or more servers to your console and administer all of them from one location.   2. When adding a server, specify it by name or IP address.   Managing your Windows Media server

1. Create. Use Windows Media Encoder, Windows Movie Maker, or Microsoft Producer to create high-quality content.   2. Deliver. Use Windows Media Services and Digital Rights Management to stream your protected content easily.      Content production and management

Click the green arrow to launch the Windows Media 9 Series pages of the Microsoft Web site. At this site, you can:     Download the latest Encoder or Player.   Learn about our partner program.   Watch demos or join a newsgroup.

1. Click the green arrow to go to the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN). MSDN contains lots of technical articles that explain how to get the most from Windows Media 9 Series.   2. Or download one of our software developement kits (SDK).