File Transfer Services
File transfer is a branch of internet technology that originated in the early 80s. Early systems were designed with little more than the protocols necessary for simple network protocols such as ICMP (Internet Connection Management Protocol), USEST (Uniform Resource Identifier), and TCP/IP ( Transaction Language) packets. With the increasing sophistication of computers and their related technologies, file transfer has progressed to include more sophisticated protocols and capabilities. File transfer networks have become integral components of many businesses as a means of sharing large amounts of information. File transfer online services have even developed as a service for online file management.
The file transfer standard enabled users to transfer data from other computer systems employing the same established set of protocol and grammar. In comparison, standard file transfer software may not be as flexible as advanced file transfer platforms, but it does allow for simple file transfer functions. Most standard file transfer software packages provide data compression programs and the ability to secure data and transfer over slow or high-latency connections. Advanced file transfer software can employ several methods of encryption, authentication, and decryption while processing large files.
File transfer platforms such as the Free File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Internet file transfer protocol (IFTP) are available on the internet. These protocols are quite similar, except for a few factors. FTP is generally used for sharing single large files and Internet file transfer protocols are best used when transferring multiple large files.
Pros and Cons of USB File Transfer Services
Security is a major concern with file transfer protocols as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses pose serious threats to one computer connected to the rest. A virus spreads through one computer by borrowing bits and parts of code from other computers. Worms are even more dangerous as they operate through multiple computer networks. File transfer security is usually achieved with one factor: a firewall.
While file transfers using USB 2.0 are far faster than older standards, there is still a limit to the speed. However, with modern technology, a modern PC can connect to a USB flash drive or other storage device within seconds. Most of the pros of using this technology far outweigh the cons. Here are some of the pros of USB storage and data transfer:
There are some cons to using this technology, too. One disadvantage is that an internet connection is required between the PC and the USB drive. If the internet connection is slow, file transfer can be rather slow. Another drawback is the possibility of data loss, especially with the use of a USB drive. This is why it is recommended to use a secure USB storage device when connecting a computer to a USB flash drive.