The following list describes each feature. If you are interested only in the features that a Web server can provide, then Web server streaming may be the right option for you.

• Fast Streaming. A feature of Windows Media Services that allows for a combination of streaming, downloading, and caching to provide the best user experience. Fast Streaming includes Fast Start, which downloads the first few seconds of the content at as high a bit rate as possible, so the wait to start playing is reduced; Fast Cache, which uses available bandwidth to cache as much content as possible ahead of playback; Fast Recovery, which sends error correction data with the data packets instead of waiting for an error to occur; and Fast Reconnect, which enables the server to automatically restore connections that are lost.
  
   
• Stream without downloading. Content from a Web server is downloaded. If Fast Cache is enabled on a Windows Media server, content might be cached to enhance playback. However, this feature can be disabled if you want your content streamed only.
  
   
• Broadcast (live). Web servers can only host on-demand content (files). A Windows Media server can host content for on-demand delivery or as a broadcast. Broadcasting enables you to stream live content (events that occur in real time), and files and playlists that are played back from the server. Some examples of broadcasting are streaming live radio and television signals, and Internet radio stations.
  
   
• Intelligent streaming. As mentioned earlier, this feature requires an interaction between a Windows Media server and Windows Media Player to optimize the stream for the current available bandwidth.
  
   
• Optimized for streaming Windows Media content. Windows Media Services was designed for the special requirements of streaming media. For example, Windows Media Services handles resources on a computer better than a Web server when streaming. A Windows Media server is capable of delivering more concurrent streams on a given computer by making more efficient use of a computer's CPU and network bandwidth. A Windows Media server sends data at the same bit rate as the content. A Web server on the other hand does not control the bit rate at which it sends a stream. Consequently, two or more concurrent streams from a Web server could saturate a network's bandwidth.

  Files are streamed from a Web server by using a method called progressive downloading. This means that a file plays as it downloads to the user's Internet cache. This can be a concern for users, because digital media files often consume a large amount of hard disk space. Also, a user cannot seek to different parts of the content, until the entire file is downloaded.
  
   

• Indexing. This feature provides end users with a means of fast-forwarding and rewinding through a file that is being streamed, which requires interaction between a Windows Media server and Windows Media Player.