Sometimes abbreviated as DL, D/L, or DLing, download describes copying data from one computer to another, either over a network or modem. For example, each time you visit a web page on the Internet, you download the information on the page, including any pictures, to your computer. The term download is often associated with pictures, songs, videos, and programs.
Copying vs. downloading
Many new computer users inappropriately refer to copying files on their computer as downloading. When copying a file from your computer to another drive or folder on the same computer, you’re copying that file and not downloading the file. If you’re copying a file from a different computer to your computer, you’re downloading the file.
When you download a file or program, there is a down arrow with an underscore indicating the download has initiated. You can also view and manage the downloads in most browsers using the Ctrl+J shortcut key.
Copying vs. downloading.
Download vs. upload.
Downloading a hard copy.
Examples sites from which you may download.
What is a good download speed?
How fast can I download?
Related information.
How to copy files.
How to move files and folders on the computer.
How to download an app, file, or program from the Internet.
Download vs. upload
Downloading is receiving information from another computer or server. Uploading is sending information from your computer to another computer or server. When browsing the Internet, you’re mostly downloading information. For example, when viewing this page, your computer needed to download the text and pictures shown on this page. When sharing pictures or videos, playing online games, or participating in an online video call, you’d need to upload.
Downloading a hard copy
Nothing needs to be downloaded when you want to create a hard copy (print out) of a document, web page, recipe, etc. The program you’re using to view what you want to print can print without doing a download.
- How to print a document, picture, or another file.
- How to print a web page.
Examples sites from which you may download
Below are some popular websites where you can download many types of files, including audio, video, and games.
What is a good download speed?
A good download speed is at least 25 Mbps or faster. For users who do not play online games or have multiple people watching online videos, you can get away with a slower 10 Mbps connection. If there’s only one person using the Internet, you can get away with 5 Mbps. A connection lower than 10 Mbps can experience problems in online gaming, watching videos, and online video calls, especially on a shared connection.
How fast can I download?
A file’s download speed depends largely on the speed of your Internet or network connection and the size of the file. A faster Internet or network connection results in a shorter amount of time to download a file.
A speed over 50 mbps is considered excellent.
- How to increase your download speed.
- Why is my Internet connection so slow?
Buffer, Computer acronyms, Data transfer, Digital distribution, Downstream, Drive-by download, Game terms, Internet terms, Modem terms, Network terms, Pull, Receive, Streaming, Upload
Related information
- How to download an app, file, or program from the Internet.
- How to download video from the Internet.
- Where are the files I downloaded using my web browser?
- Why does my download stop before it is finished?
- How to fix unable to run or other errors with a downloaded file.
- Internet help and support.
- Modem help and support.
- Network and network card help and support.
