FAQs
verb. To download data or software means to transfer it to your computer or phone from another device or from the internet.
What comes first downloading or installing? ›
General installation steps
To use a piece of software, you must first download it. Downloading means retrieving files and data that make up the software from the internet (stored on a server somewhere) and storing them on your local computer. Most downloads will take place over the internet.
What do you mean by downloading? ›
Downloading is the transmission of a file or data from one computer to another over a network, usually from a larger server to a user device. Download can refer to the general transfer of data or to transferring a specific file. It can also be called to download, DL or D/L. All internet use requires downloading data.
How do I download the best software for my computer? ›
Installing software from the Web
- Locate and download an .exe file.
- Locate and double-click the .exe file. (It will usually be in your Downloads folder.)
- A dialog box will appear. Follow the instructions to install the software.
- The software will be installed.
How do I download software? ›
You can use a web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, to access the official website of the software developer or vendor, and look for a download link or button.
What is downloading vs installing? ›
This information is typically called a “file.” Downloading the file only gets half the job done, though. Downloading the file is not the same as “installing” the file. “Installing” the downloaded file means giving instructions to take the downloaded information and use it to change your computer.
Does installing come after downloading? ›
It depends. Majority of the games are full download, then install. But there are games that download a part of the game, let's you play Single Mode (campaign) or things like that…. and then continues the other stuff (such as Multiplayer Mode, DLCs, etc) while you play the already installed part.
How does downloading software work? ›
When you want to download something, you typically click on a link or button that initiates the process. Your device sends a request to the server where the file is hosted, and if everything is in order, the server starts transferring the data to your device.
Do you install an app or download it? ›
you choose one app and you wanna use is on your phone, the fisrt thing you need "download" this app, and the next "install" it, then you can use it. "download" is the app/software you do not have on your device like your phone or computer, but you want to have it, so you have to download it first.
What does it mean when it says downloading? ›
Downloading is the process of transferring data from a remote computer or server to a local one. It's most commonly used for obtaining software, audio, video and other types of digital content from the internet, but it's also used to transfer files between computers as well.
Download means to transfer a file (or data) to your computer from somewhere "out there". The internet is often represented as a cloud, and clouds are in the sky. So transferring data to yourself from the cloud is to bring it down to where you are.
What is an example of downloading? ›
: to transfer (data, files, etc.) from one location (such as a large computer or the cloud) to another (such as a smaller computer, smartphone, or storage device) download the files onto your computer. downloading songs from the Internet.
When I download something, where does it go? ›
Step 1: Open your App drawer. Step 2: Open the file manager on your phone, which will be named something along the lines of Downloads, File manager, or My files. Step 3: Select the Downloads file folder.
How do you tell if your computer is downloading something? ›
In the Resource Monitor window, navigate to the Network tab and expand the Network Activity category. Then you can check the process consuming the highest network data, which should be the background Windows 10 download progress.
How do you see what is installing on your computer? ›
Another way to monitor the installation progress of a desktop application is to use Task Manager. Task Manager is a built-in tool in Windows that shows you the processes and resources that are running on your computer.
How do I find downloaded software? ›
Select Start > Settings > Apps. Apps can also be found on Start . The most used apps are at the top, followed by an alphabetical list.
What is the benefit of downloading software? ›
There are several advantages to downloading software, such as accessing a wider range of options, getting the latest version with updates and patches, saving time and money, and customizing your installation.
What is considered downloadable software? ›
A Downloadable Software Application (DSA) is software such as a toolbar or a plug-in that an end-user installs on their computer.