## Internet Data Download Services

The following documents describe the data download services provided by Microsoft:

URL Open Stream Functions
The URL Open Stream functions provide the simplest interface for downloading data from Internet locations (URLs). These functions work equally well in stand-alone applications and in ActiveX controls embedded within containers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer.
URL Moniker
This is a specification of a new asynchronous moniker that encapsulates locating and downloading of data or objects from URLs.
Asynchronous Monikers
This is a specification of a new class of monikers that allow downloading or binding to objects asynchronously, without blocking.
Microsoft Win32 Internet Programmer's Reference
This document describes the Win32 Internet (WinInet) functions, which provide stand-alone applications with easy access to standard Internet protocols such as Gopher, FTP, and HTTP, abstracting the protocols into a high-level interface that is familiar to Win32 developers.
Encoding Rules for Data Download Interfaces
This document describes how and when to encode or decode URLs when using URL monikers, URL Open Stream functions, or Win32 Internet functions.
Defining New URL Protocols
This document describes two mechanisms for defining new URL protocols, either by specifying a new application for handling a particular URL scheme (for example, "mailto:") or by writing a data-binding mechanism for a new network or data transport protocol.
Asynchronous Storage
This is a specification of upcoming technology that allows organizing COM-based data storage in such a manner as to asynchronously download different parts of the data on demand. This technology enables streaming and progressive display of complex data formats.

© 1996 Microsoft Corporation