How to Decide if You Need a File Compression Program

A file compression program reduces the size of a file for easier transport or storage. This program also combines several files into a single compressed file. Do you need one? Consider the reasons below.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PKZips
• StuffIt
• WinZip

1. Determine whether you need to send large (greater than 500KB) files via e-mail. Compressing the files reduces sending and receiving time.

2. Consider whether you receive compressed files from your friends and associates, either via e-mail or diskette.

3. Figure out whether you'd like to download compressed files from the Internet. (Generally installation programs are "self-extracting," so you don't need a compression program for those.)

4. Ponder your computer backup strategy. You can back up more files in less space if the files are compressed.

5. Think about the kinds of files you need to fit on floppy diskettes, perhaps for transport to and from work. You can fit more files on a floppy diskette if the files are compressed.

6. Look at how much free space you have on your hard disk. You can recover more disk space on your computer by compressing less frequently used files and programs.

7. Determine whether you use scanned images, such as photographs, or other high-resolution graphics, which take up considerable disk space.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for file compression programs in computer stores and on the Internet. The Internet versions are available as freeware, shareware or registered copies.
• See "How to Select a File Compression Program."