1. To copy data (often program code to be run) into
memory, possibly parsing it somehow in the process.
E.g. "WordPerfect can't load this RTF file - are you sure
it didn't get corrupted in the download?" Opposite of
save.
2. The degree to which a computer, network, or other
resource is used, sometimes expressed as a percentage of the
maximum available. E.g. "What kind of CPU load does that
program give?", "The network's constantly running at 100%
load". Sometimes used, by extension, to mean "to increase the
level of use of a resource". E.g. "Loading a spreadsheet
really loads the CPU". See also: load balancing.
3. To install a piece of software onto a system.
E.g. "The computer guy is gonna come load Excel on my laptop
for me". This usage is widely considered to be incorrect.
(2002-07-02)
Nearby terms:
LNF « LO « L&O « load » load balancing » lobotomy » LOC
