download

jargon To transfer data or (especially) code from one

computer to another. The distinction between downloading and

uploading is hazy but downloading often refers to transfer

from a larger "host" system (especially a server or

mainframe) to a smaller "client" system, especially a

microcomputer or specialised peripheral.

Opposite: upload.

However, note that ground-to-space communications has its own

usage rule for this term. Space-to-earth transmission is

always "down" and the reverse "up" regardless of the relative

size of the computers involved. So far the in-space machines

have invariably been smaller; thus the upload/download

distinction has been reversed from its usual sense.

[Jargon File]

(1994-12-07)