Kermit

Asynchronous file-transfer protocol for data exchange between PCs and mainframe computers. Popular during the electronic bulletin board era, it has largely been replaced by the internet protocols (IP). Although quite slow, Kermit is good at automatic error detection and correction during transmission over 'noisy' telephone lines. An open source (non-proprietary) and public domain (free) software, it was developed at Columbia University and is named after the muppet frog character in the children's educational program Sesame Street.