[genesis]

case1
precache_sound("misc/chicken1.wav") << this dowload and calls to memory this file for use.

case2
download_file("misc/chicken1.wav") << this downloads to hardrive
precache_sound("misc/chicken1.wav") << this calls to memory

and with sourcemod managing the downloading of models and sounds can really be beneficial, for the system that steam currently uses sv_downloadurl is too static, forcing you to download all files from one hierarchy on HTTP protocol, with sourcemod controlling hopefully we can set it to models from here ... sounds from here ... sprites from here, and some can be ftp accounts hopefully.

Does this make sense?

[DopeFish]

makes sense but I doubt you will have that much control over clients behavior from the server (could be used for malicious stuff like downloading a trojan to the clients PC and then using security holes in the IE controls to execute it when the MOTD windows is displayed).

[genesis]

ahh ... you could do that now ... this isn't anything new ... precache_model ... I believe precaches any file, just to the models folder, I doubt you could execute it thru the motd either way, but it could be possible. With or without my sugestion.

[vancelorgin]

Yeah, another retarded thing left out of HL2. I know how to add it, and I will.