
"A few moments" (or any similar phrase), specifically in relation to software, denotes a passage of time that will take no longer than a few moments. It is actually more meaningful to just tell the user whether this process will be long or short.

Because, how would you run a metric on the time that its meant to take? Sure, you can set up check points at specific points of the program or application install, but how are you meant to know how long a specific computer/cpu/gpu/drive/operating-system will take to execute up to that checkpoint.
A FEW MOMENTS LATER DEFINITION VERIFICATION
With minor software installs or programs like a file compression/decompression, or an application install, or a download verification - the ETA is near impossible to reliably determine. I have an interest in software engineering, so I feel like I can answer this quite well. To answer your question specifically, which I have not quite done, you need to understand that 'moment' is a wildcard, used when an exact time isn't appropriate. So, the 'moment' might quantify as 4-5 minutes. Suddenly the context switches from a punctual employee, to a lazy, disrespectful one. Now, lets say this employee is known for being really slack, and disrespectful. In your head, you have just quantified what a 'moment' is. Now as you are the boss of the accounting firm, and currently holding a meeting, you would expect your employee to take roughly 2-3 minutes. You are in a meeting and one of your subordinates asks to use the bathroom, he says "Sorry, just one moment, I need to go to the restroom". Lets say you're a manager of an accounting firm. Just give me a moment of your time and I'll try to explain it. Send us feedback about these examples.The use of "moment/s" as a description of the passage of time - is intrinsically defined by the context of its appearance. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'moment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Dustin Gardiner, San Francisco Chronicle, There is a moment when Ray refuses to accompany Ken to the roof of a bell tower and gape at the skyline together. Jane Thier, Fortune, Ultimately, several task force members said those fiery moments might be unavoidable when tackling such a heated topic. Emy Lacroix, Peoplemag, Those three values have buoyed Rometty even through the most difficult moments in her career and in IBM’s toughest quarters. Jennifer Maas, Variety, Because Eva's kids weren't present for the big moment, the couple recreated their engagement at home. Wally Skalij, Los Angeles Times, Those connections are just a few of the full-circle moments Netflix has marked in recent years as the upstart has become the establishment. Kelsey Mulvey, House Beautiful, Los Angeles Times veteran photographers Robert Gauthier and Wally Skalij captured many of the game’s biggest moments from their sideline vantage points. Hannah Jackson, Harper's BAZAAR, When Martha posted her closeup-which featured her in a minimalist white maillot and a dessert-tone coverup-fans were quick to celebrate the historic moment.



Recent Examples on the Web In that scene, those characters are just two people who have so much love for each other and also are trying to make light of a really grim moment.
