Java Glossary : download
Last updated 2004-06-28 by Roedy
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Glossary : D words : download.
- download
- Receive a file. When you send files to BIX, a website or BBS system this is
called uploading and when you receive files this is called downloading.
You use the following mnemonic: think of BIX as something high and mighty
perched on a glass hill, as is the fairy tale.
Why don't we call it send and receive like sensible people do? send
and receive are relative verbs. If I entered a send command,
does this mean I plan to send something to BIX, or does it mean I want
BIX to send something to me? If I say upload there is no ambiguity,
just bafflement until you get used to the terminology. In the case one person
calls another, the caller uploads (sends) and downloads (receives)
files.
Real Audio make a program called RealDownload that supposedly helps you download
files. It is utterly useless. Its only function is to show you ads. Netscape
makes one called SmartDownload that is pathetically inept, an embarrassment to a
company that large. Its only innovation is dumping all your files in one
directory rather than letting you choose where they should go. Microsoft has
done some surprisingly good work in this area, at least for installing patches
and updates to Windows. It figures out what you don't already have, then you
tick off what you want and the rest is automatic.
The best file downloader I have found is the Opera browser. It starts the
download in the background even before you have decided on the final name and
resting place for the file. It is quicker than the other browsers. When
appropriate, it gives you the option of saving or viewing on screen.
For FTP downloads, like like the FTP Voyager program from Rhinosoft. It is good
for diagnosing and fixing problems. It has a sensible adult interface. Much of
the competition look like Mattel video games.
