What is a channel?

A "channel" is a Web site designed to deliver content from the Internet to your computer, similar to subscribing to a favorite Web site. You don't have to subscribe to view the content, but with channels the content provider can suggest a schedule for your subscription, or you can customize your own. 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:

• Use the Channel Guide on your desktop or in the browser to 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 Channel bar. If you want to, you can also subscribe to a channel when you add it to your Channel bar. You don't have to subscribe to a channel to view it.

• 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. The Channel bar displays all channels installed on your computer, whether you subscribe to them or not.

• View a channel, whether or not you have subscribed to it, just by clicking it in the Channel bar.
• 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: