Getting to Know Your Server
The first choice comes up pretty quickly. What kind of server will you be putting your files on? Is it a traditional Web server? Or is it a RealServer?

In most cases, you can put streaming media on a standard Web server. This is sometimes referred to as "pseudo-streaming." The advantage of using a traditional Web server is that it is more accessible and cheaper. If you are a beginning to moderate user, you can do quite a bit of work this way. The disadvantage is that your streaming will not be as robust. If you have a lot of files to stream to a lot of people, a traditional Web server is not your best choice.

That RealServer gives you more power. It is better equipped to handle more streaming connections. And, as talked about in a previous installment, you get additional features like "SureStreaming." In the RealNetworks world, this is a type of streaming that dynamically changes the quality of the signal to match the bandwidth. On a slow modem, you will likely get telephone quality. On a cable modem or DSL, a streaming audio file can sound pretty darn amazing. It is this kind of flexibility we want with our streaming Flash (or any streaming media). This is why I recommended that Flash use the "SureStream" output setting in my first installment. But SureStreaming is only going to work if you have a RealServer.

It is important to take a little side trip for those of you who rent your hosting from a service provider. There can be a big difference between a full RealServer and what some Internet service providers refer to as "RealAudio support." Remember that almost any Web server, once configured for the RealSystem file types, can handle the less robust "pseudo-streaming." So almost any ISP can offer "RealAudio support." Read the fine print when you sign up with a hosting company. It takes a RealServer to get the real deal.

There are some very inexpensive streaming solutions. Some hosting communities (like Yahoo! GeoCities) offer basic streaming for very little cost or even free. These providers may not support all of the features you need (such as Real streaming for Flash) but they will provide you with a good place to play while you grow comfortable with streaming.

If working with a RealServer sounds scary, in reality you will find that it simplifies the process of linking to your streaming media files. But let us start with the traditional Web server and move on from there.