title: how does Java url.openStream() work
body: <p>I have used the Java command url.openStream() many times to retrieve data from the web. However, I don't have any idea what it's doing.  Does it go through my browser, does it establish a separate port, or what? </p>
  
  <p>I would like to know how this works so I can determine how the command would play through an internet anonymizer.</p>
  
  <p>If anyone has any insights on this, I'd sure appreciate hearing them.  </p>
  
  <p>Thanks</p>