Download (computing)
Download is a process of retrieving data from a remote source and storing it locally. It is a common way of transferring data over a computer network, such as the Internet or an Intranet. The term download is often used as a generic term for retrieving digital data, or specifically files from a server or another computer.
Downloads can be performed using a variety of file transfer protocols, such as HTTP, HTTPS, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), BitTorrent, DHCP/BOOTP, and many others. Such protocols are used to facilitate the transfer of large amounts of data, such as large multimedia files, over the Internet.
Downloads differ from streaming, the process of transferring data in a continuous and rapid stream, often over specialized servers. Downloading requires a completed transfer before the content can be accessed, while streaming allows the user to access the content as soon as the download has begun.
Downloads can be made free of charge, but there are also paid services where users must pay a fee for content. These services are typically hosted on servers that provide content delivery networks (CDNs).
When downloading files, it is important to be aware of the source to ensure that it is legitimate and without malicious content. Downloading content from unknown sources carries the risk of introducing malicious software onto the computer, which can potentially compromise security and privacy.
