Ever wonder what the difference is between downloading, uploading and installing? I mean, they all sound like they could be the same thing, so what does each bring to the table of the computer world? Well, here’s a rundown for you.

Downloading - This is moving a file that’s on the Internet (or over a network) onto your computer. For most of
us, downloading is just a matter of clicking a download link on a Web site and saving the file to a disk.
Uploading - This is actually the opposite of downloading. With uploading, you take a file from your computer and send it to a computer on the Internet (or a computer/server on a network). This is usually done with an FTP client, but some Web sites will allow you to send files to them via your Web browser.
Installing - This is often confused with downloading, but it’s a different animal. When you install something, you basically “put” the program on your computer so you can use it. Normally, this is done via a setup program (or wizard) to make the installation easier. Once you’re finished installing a program, you can usually run it from your Start menu, Programs area.

Cool, huh?!

Computers Beginners Downloading Installing Uploading