Download
Definition
Copying files from the internet to your device. Like bringing items from a store to your home - the file moves from somewhere else to your computer.
Use Cases
- Netflix: Allowing users to download movies and shows to watch offline on mobile devices. — Netflix’s mobile apps provide an offline download feature that saves encrypted video files on the device and manages licenses/expiration so content can be played without an internet connection for a limited time. (Improves user experience for commuters and travelers, reduces buffering concerns, and supports viewing in areas with limited connectivity.)
- Spotify: Letting subscribers download playlists and podcasts for offline listening. — Spotify clients cache and store audio tracks locally (with DRM and account checks) and periodically sync to validate access while enabling playback without a network connection. (Increases listening time in low-connectivity scenarios and improves reliability for users with limited data plans.)
- Microsoft: Distributing Windows and Office installers and updates to end-user devices. — Devices download update packages and installers from Microsoft’s distribution infrastructure (including content delivery networks) to local storage before installation. (Enables scalable global software distribution and keeps devices patched, improving security and stability.)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between download and upload?
- Downloading moves data from the internet (or a remote server) to your device. Uploading moves data from your device to the internet (or a remote server). For example, saving a photo from a website is a download; posting a photo to social media is an upload.
- When should I download a file instead of streaming it?
- Download when you need offline access, want more reliable playback, or expect a slow/unstable connection. Streaming is better when you have a good connection and don’t want to use device storage, since the content is played as it arrives rather than saved permanently.
- How much does downloading cost?
- For end users, the cost is usually your internet plan (data usage) and any app subscription. In cloud services, downloads are often billed as data transfer (egress) out of the cloud plus any request costs (for example, per-GB outbound bandwidth from object storage or CDN). Costs depend on how many gigabytes are downloaded, where users are located, and whether a CDN is used.
Category: networking
Difficulty: basic
Related Terms
See Also