You don't usually need to understand when something is uploading or downloading or what they really refer to, but knowing how they differ is important in some situations. For example, if a website tells you to upload your resume using their online form, but you don't know if that means to save something to your computer or send them a file, it can get confusing and delay the overall process you're trying hard to finish.
Or, maybe you're buying a home internet plan and you see one advertised as offering 50 Mbps download speeds and another with 20 Mbps upload speeds. Most people don't need a fast upload speed unless they're often sending large amounts of data over the internet.
However, not knowing the difference between upload and download might leave you paying for way more than you need, or paying a smaller amount for speeds too slow for what you need. Since the speed at which you can download things from the internet is determined by what you're paying your ISP for, some people opt to stream data versus download it. They're similar, but not technically the same, and there are benefits of both. For example, there are movie streaming sites that let you watch movies online instead of download them, and web apps that can be used in a browser instead of saved to your device.
Downloading is useful if you want the entire file for offline use, like if you plan to watch movies, edit documents, view photos, or listen to music without an internet connection. The entire file is saved on your device since you downloaded it, but to use it, you have to wait for the whole download to finish.
Streaming, on the other hand, is useful if you want to use the file before it's finished downloading. You can stream Netflix shows on your tablet without needing to download the whole episode first. However, the file isn't usable offline because it isn't stored for future use.
The terms download and upload are usually reserved for transfers that take place between a local device and something else on the internet. For example, you won't say that you've "uploaded data to your flash drive " when copying a file to it from your computer. There are network protocols that support data uploads and downloads. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.
Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. By Tim Fisher.
Tim Fisher. Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. Tweet Share Email. In This Article. What It Means to Upload. What It Means to Download. Upload vs. Know the Difference. What About Streaming? Other Facts. Although malware incidents are on the rise, the majority involve apps acquired from random, untrustworthy websites.
Most have targeted the Symbian operating system and, more recently, Android. You can reduce your risk of downloading an outright malicious app to almost zero by acquiring apps only from your operating system maker's app store.
Google scrutinizes the security of apps sold through Google Play formerly the Android Market , takes user complaints and removes apps that violate its policies. Apple also vets apps before allowing them to grace its App Store which, experts say, has never distributed a malicious app.
Microsoft does the same in its Windows Phone 7 marketplace. Be cautious. Before downloading an app from a company you've never heard of, do a quick web search to make sure it's legitimate and reputable. People love to complain online, and their grumbles could protect you from a bad actor -- or a sloppy newcomer that ignores user privacy.
Be socially discerning. Don't use your personal Facebook or Twitter account to sign in to a business app. It could be a real competitive issue down the road. Demand privacy. Don't buy an app it if requires permission to access data or take other actions you find intrusive or unnecessary. Few apps need your contacts list or physical location. Even fewer need to access your emails, send text messages or listen in via your microphone.
App developers often seek more permissions than they need in case they might want them for a new feature down the road, Downey says. Many apps don't have privacy polices though more will soon , and they often fail to disclose or are vague about how they'll use your data. Also, check privacy policies, the documents that give you legal recourse if data are misused. You can use your computer to visit the app store, find the app and click through to the developer's site to look for the policy.
If necessary, email the app maker for more information. Does your note-taking app store a copy of your scribblings on its own servers? Does your project planner transmit your client list? If you're not comfortable after your due diligence, don't install the app and let the maker know why. Mobile privacy is new territory that's beginning to get public, corporate and government attention.
Check your existing apps. It isn't quick, easy or fun, but it is helpful to review the privacy policies and permissions given to apps you already own. Android users can review permissions for individual apps by going to the Settings screen and choosing Device and then Apps. Both Android and iPhone let you adjust or totally turn off their GPS location features within settings.
With iPhone, you can see which apps access location and turn each one on or off. Apple plans to provide a similar tool for adjusting permissions to access contacts lists in a future operating system update.
Independent resources for understanding app privacy and security are limited. Common Sense Media reviews games and other apps popular with kids. Concerned users may want to consider security software to defend against mobile malware, including spyware apps like FlexiSPY , which are most often planted by jealous lovers but presumably could be installed by corporate spies.
Lookout Inc. Privacy Advisor provides a list of which of your apps can access private data, along with reports that explain the risks and capabilities of each app.
0コメント