28 terms
Wiki: the terms behind the tools
What a feature is, how it works, where it falls short, and which tools in the directory offer it. Short definitions first, details below.
11Privacy, Proxies & Anonymity
AES-256 encryptionAES-256 is the Advanced Encryption Standard used with a 256-bit key: a symmetric block cipher that VPNs, storage tools and messengers use to turn data into ciphertext that cannot be read without the key.23 tools have itAd blockerAn ad blocker is software that stops ads, trackers and often malicious domains from loading. It works by filtering requests against blocklists at the browser, app or DNS level, so pages load faster and fewer third parties see your activity.8 tools have itDedicated IPA dedicated IP is an IP address assigned to one user or account only. On a VPN, it gives you the same exit address every time you connect, with no other customers sharing it, which helps with allowlists and fewer CAPTCHAs.8 tools have itDoubleVPNDouble VPN, also called multi-hop, sends your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. The first server sees your real IP but not the destination, and the second sees the destination but not your real IP.9 tools have itKill SwitchA kill switch is a VPN feature that blocks your device's internet traffic whenever the VPN tunnel drops, so no data leaves over your regular connection and your real IP address stays hidden until the VPN reconnects.22 tools have itNo-logs policyA no-logs policy is a VPN provider's commitment not to record or keep data that links a user to their online activity, such as visited sites, real IP addresses, connection timestamps or traffic volume per session.23 tools have itObfuscated serversObfuscated servers are VPN servers that disguise VPN traffic so firewalls and deep packet inspection (DPI) cannot easily recognize it as VPN traffic. This helps you connect on networks and in countries that block or throttle VPNs.12 tools have itOpen-SourceOpen-source software publishes its source code under a licence that lets anyone read, check, modify and reuse it. For a VPN, this means outsiders can inspect how the apps and protocols handle encryption, connections and user data.6 tools have itPrivate DNSPrivate DNS means your domain lookups go to a resolver you choose, such as your VPN provider's own DNS servers, over an encrypted channel, so your ISP or local network can't read them or change them.12 tools have itSplit tunnelingSplit tunneling is a VPN feature that sends some traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel and lets the rest go straight to the internet. You choose what goes where by app, website, domain or IP address.15 tools have itTracker blockerA tracker blocker is a feature or tool that stops websites and apps from loading third-party scripts, pixels and requests that collect your browsing data, usually by matching domains against blocklists at the DNS or browser level.8 tools have it
1Security
16Crypto
Copy tradingCopy trading is an exchange feature that automatically repeats another trader's positions in your account, scaled to the amount you assign. You pick a lead trader and the platform does the executing, but you carry all of the profit and loss.12 tools have itCrypto loansA crypto loan lets you borrow one cryptocurrency or stablecoin by locking another crypto asset as collateral. You pay interest, and if the collateral's value falls too far against the loan, the platform sells it to cover the debt.14 tools have itDemo tradingDemo trading is trading with virtual funds on a simulated version of an exchange. Orders follow live or near-live market prices, but no real money is at risk, so traders can learn the platform and test strategies before trading for real.8 tools have itFutures tradingFutures trading means buying or selling contracts that track an asset's price instead of the asset itself. In crypto, traders use futures, usually perpetual contracts with leverage, to bet on rises or falls and to hedge their holdings.21 tools have itJumpstartJumpstart is the OKX exchange's token launch platform. Eligible users commit OKB, and sometimes other assets, to buy new tokens in a sale or earn them through staking pools before the tokens are listed for trading.1 tools have itLaunchpoolA Launchpool is an exchange program where you lock supported assets, such as the exchange token or stablecoins, in a pool for a fixed period and earn a new project's tokens in proportion to your share of the pool, without buying them.4 tools have itNFTAn NFT (non-fungible token) is a unique token on a blockchain that records who owns a specific item, such as artwork, a game asset or a ticket. Unlike Bitcoin or ETH, no two NFTs are interchangeable.12 tools have itOTCOTC (over-the-counter) trading is buying or selling crypto directly with a dealer or counterparty at a privately agreed price, outside an exchange's public order book. It is used for large orders to avoid slippage and visible market impact.9 tools have itOptionsCrypto options are derivative contracts that give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) a cryptocurrency at a set strike price by a set expiry date, in exchange for an upfront premium.3 tools have itP2PP2P (peer-to-peer) crypto trading lets users buy and sell crypto directly with each other, paying by bank transfer, e-wallet or cash. A platform matches the two sides and holds the seller's crypto in escrow until the seller confirms payment.14 tools have itProof of Reserves (PoR)Proof of Reserves (PoR) is a check a crypto custodian, usually an exchange, publishes to show it holds at least as many assets as it owes customers. Users can verify that their own balance was counted.10 tools have itSpot TradingSpot trading is buying or selling an asset at the current market price for immediate settlement. In crypto, you pay in full and the coins land in your account right away, with no leverage, expiry or contract involved.23 tools have itStaking (Earn)Staking means committing crypto to a Proof of Stake blockchain so it helps validate transactions and secure the network. In return you earn rewards paid in that coin. Exchanges offer it through "Earn" products that run the validators for you and take a fee.18 tools have itTrading BotsA trading bot is software that places buy and sell orders automatically according to preset rules, such as price levels, intervals or indicators. It connects to an exchange directly or through API keys and can trade around the clock.12 tools have itTradingViewTradingView is a web and app-based charting platform for crypto, stocks, forex and commodities. It offers interactive charts, 100+ built-in indicators, Pine Script for custom tools, alerts, and trading through connected brokers and exchanges.6 tools have itWeb3 WalletA Web3 wallet is a crypto wallet that holds or controls your private keys and connects to decentralized apps, letting you sign blockchain transactions for DeFi, NFTs, token swaps and smart contracts directly from your own address.5 tools have it