upload / download

[Jo Davidsmeyer <jad -at- TCT -dot- COM>]

I'm fairly new to this list, so forgive me if this subject has been
discussed before. Is there any industry-standard for the use of the
words "upload" and "download"?

Two of my source books define the words differently.

1)
upload - v. , to transfer data stored in a microcomputer system
    to a storage device in a larger computer system
download - v., to transfer data stored in a larger system to a
    storage devce in a microcomputer

2) from Newton's Telecom Dictionary, fifth edition
upload - to transmit a data file from your computer to another computer.
    The opposite of download, which is receiving a file on your computer
    from another computer. Upload means the same as TRANSMIT, while
    DOWNLOAD means the same as receive. [...]
downloading - the act of receiving data from another computer into your
    computer. It's also called to RECEIVE. The opposite of UPLOAD or
    TRANSMIT. [...]

And, internally, we have a third definition offered for consideration --
that the meaning of upload/download are dependent on your location. The
speaker's site is always on the "high ground", so that the individual
always has files uploaded to his site and always downloads to remote
sites. (This third contribution is from a former employee of a large
data transfer organization.)

How are these terms used in your publications? Does anyone know the
origins of these terms? Too late now to change industry jargon, but
wouldn't it have been simpler to use "transmit" and "receive" to describe
these actions?

Thanks for all the interesting traffic on this list. I've found the
discussions very informative.

Jo Davidsmeyer     |
jad -at- tct -dot- com        |