Downloading videos from streaming sites (YouTube etc)

Requirement: Internet connection
Level: Beginner/Intermediate

YouTube and similar sites like Metacafe and Break.com allows streaming of video, where the video is downloaded while the users are watching it. There are several ways that you can download these videos, some requiring installation of plug-ins and program.

Method 1: This is a method which does not require and installation whatsoever. For Internet Explorer users, files loaded when you are surfing the web is actually stored in your hard drive, in the Temporary Internet Files folder. The purpose is so that when you re-visit a site, the computer would not need to download these files from the Internet, instead just retrieve them from your hard drive. To find these files in Windows XP, go to C:\Documents and Settings\Your username\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files.
Inside the folder you should see lots and lots of files, to locate the particular file you are looking for, you can try clicking on the size tab, as video files are usually the largest among the temporary files. From there just copy and paste the selected file to your destination.

Method 2: This is my personal favourite, as a Firefox user, there is a plugin that you should take a look at. It's called Download Helper. The plugin will show when a video is available for download, and to actually download the video takes just a few clicks of the mouse. Simple and easy to use. Here's the link for the addon: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3006

Method 3: This is a method for non-Firefox users. There are plenty of programs which allow users to download videos from YouTube, such as YouTube downloader (http://youtubedownload.altervista.org/). Some of these programs may be trial version only and require registration after a period of use.

Method 4: Downloading from website. There are websites which provide services that allows download of the videos by copy and pasting the link to the site. One example of such sites is www.keepvid.com

There may be more ways to download streaming videos, it depends on your personal preference. My personal favourite is the Firefox addon because it not only applies to streaming videos, but also flash and other multimedia apps.