Upload vs. Download: These terms are generally used in computer network environments an anyone operating or working within these parameters would ideally be familiar with the terms. Data transfers are generally facilitated by server computers that service client workstations. In simple terms, Uploading is a data transfer process that involves copying information and files from your local computer to a remote server. On the other hand, download involves copying data from a remote server to your computer`s local storage. This is done to achieve a certain service or obligation, for example, a firm can back up their files through upload to a remote server. The same organization can download backed up data from the server computer to its main organization`s mainframe computer.
So What is the Difference between Upload and Download?
1. Speed
In most computer networks, the traffic is optimized for download rather than upload: Thus the speeds of the download are usually greater than uploads. One thus experiences varying speeds during upload and download respectively.
2. Risk
There are fewer risks associated with upload than download: The user usually has little information on the sources of most downloaded files. In most cases, files downloaded contain malicious software that can automatically deploy when the downloaded files are viewed. This is different when it comes to uploads since most files are created by the local computer thus diminishing the chances of having malicious software
3. File-storage
Files that are uploaded are stored inside the remote storage while those downloaded are stored inside the local computers storage: In cases of download, the file is copied to the computer`s internal hard disk while in the case of uploads, the files sent are stored inside server storage.
4. Nature
Download is usually a reverse of upload: Uploading involves a connection to the server known as an uplink while in download a downlink which is the reverse offers connection from the server to the local computer. The “direction” of data transfer of one is thus the opposite of the other.
5. User-Access
Download is defined mostly as a shared oriented access while the upload is just for a single user: The same file can be downloaded by different people on a computer network at the same time. This is however different in the event of an upload where every computer usually uploads a unique file every time. For instance, it is rare to find more than ten people uploading a movie file at the same time to a given server but this is common when downloads are involved.
6. File-size
Most people make bigger downloads than uploads. In most cases the file size involved during a download is larger than that involved during an upload. While an individual can download a heavy game or movie file at a given time, it is uncommon to find someone upload the same heavy file unless it is an organizational file.
7. Transfer-time
For networks that are optimized to specifically download files, it takes shorter to download than to upload: Most computer networks offer a faster download than upload connection. This means that users downloading files enjoy less time taken to download. Computer scientists also focus on download speeds to ensure maximum user experience and satisfaction.
8. Activity
More people are usually involved in download processes and this increases activity leads to congestion when compared to upload: In any given network, users using download services usually experience high traffic as compared to those using upload links. This means that there is more activity related to downloads as opposed to those related to downloads.
9. Server
In most cases, uploads must be supported by a server say for example in a client-server topological arrangement which is not always the case with download: One can download files from a friend`s computer without the need of an intermediary server being connected to a client-to-client computer network. Most uploads must be coordinated and validated for better organization and that is usually the role of the server computer.
10. Data usage
It takes more of the service provider’s data to upload than to download: Everyone is usually cautious about data usage and especially in cases where data and internet expenses fall within your docket. This is because uploads are slower and the transmitting computer must encode information to be sent more accurately to avoid errors. Download only needs the use of less processing power and resources
