(1) To copy a program from a storage drive or the network into RAM for execution. In the early days, programs were loaded first and then run. Today, when referring to applications, loading implies load and run. The phrases "load the app," "run the app," "launch the app" and "open the app" are all used synonymously.
People often use the term erroneously to refer to installations; therefore, "load the program" may also mean "install the program." See
install program and
open.
(2) To copy data or programs onto a drive.
(3) To insert a removable cartridge into a drive.
(4) To insert a flash drive into a USB port.
(5) In programming, to store data in a register.
(6) In performance measurement, the current use of a system as a percentage of total capacity.
(7) The flow of current through a circuit. The load is the amount of power used by electrical and electronic equipment.
(8) The volume of traffic in a network.