Important Links to Related Pages

1.      Return to Explore the 32 Category Master List of Productivity Software Applications

2.      See our Side-by-Side Comparison of Database Management Tools

3.      Return to the Database Management Tools Category List

4.      Scan Through the List of Database Management Tools FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

📘 Glossary: File Management & Cloud Storage Tools – Category-Specific Terms

Access Control

A system for managing who can view, edit, download, or share files or folders.

Bandwidth Throttling

A setting that limits upload or download speeds—useful for conserving system resources.

Client-Side Encryption

Encryption performed on your device before files are uploaded to the cloud. Services like Tresorit and Sync.com use this for added privacy.

Collaboration Tools

Features that allow multiple users to comment on, edit, or co-author documents in real-time (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive).

Delta Sync

A syncing method that only uploads changes made to a file instead of the entire file—speeds up transfers and reduces bandwidth usage.

End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

A privacy feature where only the sender and recipient can access the file contents. Not even the storage provider can decrypt the data.

File Syncing

Automatic updating of files across multiple devices or users when a change is made to one version.

File Versioning

The ability to access and restore previous versions of a file. Useful for undoing accidental edits or recovering from ransomware.

Hybrid Cloud Storage

A setup combining public cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive) with private or on-premises storage (e.g., Synology NAS).

NAS (Network Attached Storage)

A local server device used for private file storage and access within homes or businesses—managed via tools like Synology Drive or QNAP Qfile.

Offline Access

The ability to view and edit files without an internet connection. Changes are synced once reconnected.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Sync

A direct sync between two or more devices without a central cloud server (e.g., Resilio Sync).

Permissions Management

A way to set who can access or modify a file or folder (e.g., read-only, editor, full admin).

Remote Access

The ability to connect to files stored on another device or server over the internet.

Secure File Transfer

Moving files securely via protocols like SFTP, FTPS, or HTTPS, using clients like WinSCP or FileZilla.

Self-Hosting

Running your own private server (e.g., Nextcloud, ownCloud) to store and manage files rather than relying on a third-party provider.

Shared Link Expiration

Setting a time limit for public file access via link sharing—common in services like Dropbox and Box.

Storage Quota

The maximum amount of data that can be stored per user or per account plan.

WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning)

A protocol that allows you to remotely manage and edit files on a web server, supported by tools like Cyberduck and Nextcloud.

🔤 Glossary of Acronyms – File Management & Cloud Storage Tools

CDN – Content Delivery Network

A system of distributed servers that deliver files quickly by caching them near the user’s geographic location.

E2EE – End-to-End Encryption

A form of encryption where data is protected from everyone except the sender and recipient.

FTP / SFTP / FTPS – File Transfer Protocol / Secure File Transfer Protocol / FTP Secure

Protocols for transferring files between computers or servers—used by tools like FileZilla and WinSCP.

NAS – Network Attached Storage

A private, on-site file server (e.g., Synology, QNAP) accessed via LAN or the internet.

P2P – Peer-to-Peer

A network communication model where files are shared directly between users without a central server.

RAID – Redundant Array of Independent Disks

A system used in NAS setups for data redundancy and performance.

SaaS – Software as a Service

Cloud-hosted software subscription model (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, Box).

SSO – Single Sign-On

A user authentication process that allows one login for multiple connected services—used by Box, Microsoft 365, etc.

SSL / TLS – Secure Sockets Layer / Transport Layer Security

Encryption protocols that secure data in transit during uploads and downloads.

UI / UX – User Interface / User Experience

Refers to how the app looks (UI) and how it feels and functions (UX).

ZIP – Zipped File Format

A compressed file archive format commonly used when transferring large numbers of files.

Important Links to Related Pages

1.      Return to Explore the 32 Category Master List of Productivity Software Applications

2.      See our Side-by-Side Comparison of Database Management Tools

3.      Return to the Database Management Tools Category List

4.      Scan Through the List of Database Management Tools FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)