Providers and Channels

In the Desktop, leaf channels are the basic unit of content, displaying a specific type of information. To the end user, a channel is a distinct unit of content in the Desktop, usually (but not always) set off with a border and header row of icons that enables users to configure the channel to their preference. A provider is a Java^TM class responsible for converting the content, from a file or an application or service, into a presentable format for a channel.