(1) To copy a program from a storage drive or the network into memory (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 synonymous.
People often use the term erroneously to refer to installations, in which case "load" the program should be "install" the program (see
never say). 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) A machine instruction that reads data from main memory and stores it in a register. The counterpart STORE instruction reads the register and stores the data in memory. Contrast with direct memory access (see
DMA). See
LOAD and STORE.
(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.