How to Stream Videos from Different Operating Systems,
By Fom Gyem
Operating systems (OS) are a set of programs and act as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware. OS is software that manages the computer hardware as well as provides an environment for application programs to run.
The OS makes the computer system convenient and easy to use for the user, executes programs, and make solving user problems easier. OSs have been evolving through the years from plugboards to batch systems, multi-programming, and personal computers.
An OS provides services to programs and to the users of those programs most commonly like the execution of programs. The OS loads a program into memory and executes the program, and it must end either normally or abnormally.
Also, if a program needs a read file or write file, the OS gives permission to the program for operation on a file. An error may occur in the Central Processing Unit (CPU). The OS constantly is aware of possible errors and takes the appropriate action to ensure correct and consistent computing.
Several OSs have been developed for the purpose of managing computer software, hardware, and other resources. They include Linux, Ubuntu, MacOS, Windows, SymbianOS, Embedded system, Netware many others. But the most commonly used ones nowadays are Windows and MacOS.
To stream videos into any kind of device, first of all, the video format has to be converted to the common video format like (MP4) which works with most platforms and devices. Once the video is formatted, you should be able to pick what client device you’d like to make use of.
A client in this term might be anything from your phone to laptop/USB flash connected to your living room TV.
Your streaming method solely depends on whether you use Windows or an Apple computer, or decide to use another third-party app.
On Windows system streaming is quite easy. You should organize your video or movies within a default video folder. Then search the control panel and search for ‘Media Streaming Options’. Click on the turn-on media streaming button to enable Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA).
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The content in the default videos folder associated with your user account is ready to go and will be visible to a range of devices on your local network. Because the windows media server is very welcoming to other clients and they can see the movies and TV shows without any extra configuration.
Apple devices tend to work more easily when it’s all Apple gear. So, a MacOS cooperates quite easily with them than working with other Oss. It proves to be quite challenging. If all your media files are on MacOS computer rather than Windows, the best streaming standard to use is the Apple Airplay.
Airplay lets you use a Wi-Fi connection to wirelessly stream music, videos, photos, and more from your Apple TV. If you have an Apple TV on the same Wi-Fi network, you should see the Airplay button at the top right corner of your Mac navigation bar. Enter the pin that appears on your TV screen which helps one not to accidentally beam contents to your neighbour’s television and once the connection is made, you are good to go.
In streaming, there is something called third-party streaming. These services are independent, often for-profit companies that allow users to stream media from their catalogues of movies and television shows. They pay for license streaming rights through either the use of subscriptions fees with advertisements (sometimes a combination of the two).
If there is a title, you’d like to stream that’s well known and widely accessible, it might be necessary to use a third-party vendor. So, third-party apps boast much greater flexibility. They are simpler to operate and can stream files from Windows or Apple gears and other hosts including game consoles and cell phones.
There are great streaming services nowadays like the Box office, Netflix, HBO Max, and others, but all the shows and movies are licensed and they don’t tend to stick around for long because they expire when the license is not renewed.
So, for better options, one can always have their shows and movies or even home videos on their computer and set up portals like the Apple TV and set up your streaming service at home.
Thus, technically your computer becomes your server that servers up content to other devices around you.
Fom Gyem writes from Abuja; email: [email protected]
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