Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to FTP Software.

Ratings

Security

This is one of the most important functions an FTP program must perform, not only must it provide secure transfers it also ought to work with popular security programs, encryption methods and firewalls. Security features also include the ability to verify transfer requests.

Connectivity/Transfer Abilities

Connection and transfer abilities include the capacity to work with popular code (ASCII and binary) as well as connection reliability, proxies and protocols. At a minimum, FTP programs should be compatible with popular code, have resume/reconnect ability and ought to support FTP, HTTP and Socks v5.

User Tools

Most programs offer similar user tools, which include drag & drop file transfers, transfer queues, a refresh button, back up tools and scheduling. The top programs also include the ability to set priority lists, clipboard monitoring, an internal HTML editor and offer non-English language interfaces.

Technical Help/Support

Since FTP programs can be difficult to configure it is imperative for providers to offer exceptional product support through extensive online and embedded help as well as an active user forum, telephone and email support.

Features

Supports Encryption (Blowfish/other)

FTP software is compatible with popular encryption algorithms like Blowfish.

Secure Encryption ( PGP/other)

Software is compatible with privacy and authentication encryption like PGP (Pretty Good Privacy).

Compatible with SSL/TLS Encryption

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) program works with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) cryptographic protocols.

Supports Client Certs

Software works with client certificates.

Clear Command Channel (CCC)

Clear command channel makes a secure control/command channel return to plain text and helps alleviate data connection problems.

Firewall Support

Software has the ability to be configured to work with networks, servers or computers with firewalls.

FTPS

Sometimes called FTP/SSL; refers generally to FTP software that can perform secure file transfers using SSL or TLS layers.

SSH

Secure Shell, supports a secure channel between a local and remote computer.

Checkpoint FW-1

FTP program can be configured to work with Checkpoint FW-1 firewalls.

Raptor

Software can be configured to function with Raptor type firewalls.

HTTPS

A secure http interaction utilizing SSL or TLS.

CSM

Software can be configured to work with a CSM firewall.

Supports One-time Passwords

Software includes the ability to limit password interception with a one-time password scheme.

Supports Anonymous Logins

Software provides the ability to connect without a particular user name or password.

XCRC

This command tells the server to perform a CRC-32 check sum of the given file or path name.

XMD5

A command that checks MD5 (Message-Digest algorithm 5).

XSHA

Checks SHA (Secure Hash Algorithms).

Filtering

Program can filter incoming transfers or requests based on set criteria.

Connectivity/Transfer Abilities

Keep Connection Alive

This feature helps keep connections alive to facilitate quick and smooth transfers, often using NOOP or pinging.

Auto Reconnect

Program will automatically reconnect when a connection goes down.

Auto Resume

Software will automatically resume a transfer where it left off before a connection went down.

Multiple Connections

FTP program has the ability to open several connections as once.

Multi-Threading (Simultaneous Transfers)

Program can run multiple threads or transfer more than one file at a time without opening multiple connections.

Internal Ident Server

Software includes an internal ident server, which is used to map users and processes to ports.

Pret Support

This is Pre-Transfer Request (or Command) that allows a bit of information, such as file size, to be communicated before any other command is issued.

Port Mapping Using UPnP/NAT Support

Utilizes Universal Plug and Play and/or is compatible with Network Address Translation.

ASCII Transfers

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) represents text and FTP software that supports these types of transfers can transfer files coded with this type of code.

Binary Transfers

These types of code transfers, generally text, can be performed using an FTP program.

Streaming Compression (Mode Z)

Without the use of an additional compression utility, the software can transfer large files on-the-fly, often utilizing Mode Z.

FXP

File Exchange Protocol.

UTF-8

8-bit UCS/Unicode Transformation Format.

IDN/ IDNA

International Domain Name (IDN) or International Domain Names in Applications (IDNA).

Selective/ Sorted Transfers

Program has the ability to run selective or sorted transfers, either by file type or other specified criteria.

File/Folder Synchronizing

Software can compare folders, subfolders or files for duplicate content.

File Mirroring

A tool that mirrors content of specified directories between several computers.

Passive Mode (PASV)

The program has the ability to set a non-default port to wait for a connection rather than automatically initiating a connection when it receives a transfer command.

EPRT

An extended address for a data connection that includes the network protocol and the network and transport addresses.

EPSV

A command used as part of the IP v6 Extension, RFC-2428, and an extension of the PASV command.

FTP

File Transfer Protocol; makes use of the Internet's TCP/IP protocols for data transfer.

HTTP

Hyper Text Transfer Protocol; the fundamental protocol employed by the World Wide Web.

SFTP

SSH File Transfer Protocol; provides file transfer through a dependable data stream.

Socks 4

Socks (SOCKetS) Version 4 Protocol; allows client/server applications to utilize a network firewall, controls verification and access.

Socks 4A

Socks 4 extension that supports DNS (Domain Name System) names.

Socks 5

The latest Socks Version, support DNS names as well as UDP (User Datagram Protocol), can be used to control access to files stored behind a firewall.

WinProxy

Program works with the WinProxy Security application.

Squid

This is a proxy caching server for HTTP or FTP requests, has the ability to cache data onto a local network.

WinGate

This is a proxy server used for networking and security; some FTP programs can work with this type of proxy server.

User Tools

Multi-Language Support

Program is available in non-English languages.

Drag & Drop

Supports a drag and drop tool for quick location and transferring of files.

History/Log

Program keeps a log of recent transfers.

Refresh

This tool is similar to the refresh button on an Internet browser toolbar.

Transfer Graph

A graph that displays transfers.

Transfer Queue

Software supports the ability to display the files to be transferred in order.

Custom Commands

Program supports the ability to allow the user to configure custom commands.

View Progress

Files in process of being transferred, have been transferred or to be transferred can be viewed in a list or report format.

Scheduling

FTP program supports the ability to enable users to schedule transfers, so large files can be transferred during low traffic periods.

Directory/ List Options

Program has tools to work with directories or lists.

Priority List

FTP software supports the ability to set a priority on queued transfers.

General

User or administrator can configure general settings, such as default download folders and anonymous passwords.

Connection

Connection settings include aspects like protocols, connection timeout, FEAT commands and more.

Prompt

Prompts can be set to alert the user before changes, such as the deleting of certain commands or before emptying cache.

Queue

Queue settings can be used to set the number of threads per site, the maximum speed of the threads and more.

Transfer

Transfer settings include the ability to set speed limits, priority lists, compression and more.

Interface

Interface can be changed per user preferences, like the interface language, color scheme, font or graph type.

Favorites/Bookmarks

Favorite or most used files can be bookmarked for quick access.

Built-in HTML Editor/Viewer

Program supports the ability to edit or view HTML code without the use of additional software.

Backup Tool

Software has tools for archiving files.

URL Watcher

This tool can be used to watch for changes in a specific website.

Creates Scripts and/or Macros

Program has the ability to work with or create macros or scripts, without the use of additional software.

Create Podcast RSS Feeds

FTP software can be used to create podcast RSS feeds.

Clipboard Monitoring

Program can be set to monitor URLs copied to the clipboard and can be used to quickly download selected files though a short cut or copy link.

Can Copy or Upload URLs

A program with this ability can quickly upload files to a website.

Can Change File Permissions (CHMOD)

Software can change file permissions set by CHMOD commands, which are UNIX file permissions.

Technical Help/Support

Telephone Support

Providers offer telephone support to licensed users.

Email Support

Email support is provided for technical inquiries.

Online Help/ Knowledgebase

Help and information is posted online, this may include a searchable knowledgebase, glossaries and articles.

Tutorials

These are similar to "how-to's" and are provided to help users learn how to utilize a certain tool or understand a specific feature.

Embedded Help

This is offline help that can be assessed from within the program.

User Manual / User Guide

Software provider offers a user guide or manual either embedded or posted online.

FAQs

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions are posted online or within the program to help users troubleshoot specific problems or learn how to use particular features.

User Forums

An active user forum is hosted online for users to interact with each other and often find answers to application questions.

Multi-Language Forums

Provider hosts forums in non-English languages.

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