File Compression (zipping) is an important tool that can be used for backing up important data or, simply, sending quality photos in an email. Floppy disks, once used for making backup copies of data you needed to keep in a secure location, have gone the way of the dinosaur.
A floppy disk held only 1.44 megabytes of information. It was replaced with 100-megabyte and 250-megabyte Zip Disks which still perform an important function...for me. I still use about 20 Zip Disks, and data compression allows me to store almost double the 250 Mb limitation of the disk. Of course, you must have a Zip Drive to use Zip Disks just like you had to have a floppy drive to use floppies.
Every modern computer has a read/write cdrom drive (CDRW) and/or a DVD drive that is upgradable to read/write technology. A writable CD (compact disk) will hold around 750 Mb of data, music, photos and/or videos. Data compression allows you to store more on a CD and, thus, reduce the number of CDs you keep filed away.
You Don't Trust Your Computer, Do You?
Computers are a phenomenal tool for managing just about every aspect of your life: staying in touch with friends and relatives, sharing memories with loved ones, greatly expanding your choices when shopping, banking without driving to the bank and paying bills that don't require postage.
Sometimes we tend to forget it's a tool. Tools get old. Tools get outdated (remember the floppie). Tools need to be replaced. How often have you replaced a lawn mower or a vaccuum cleaner? No, some tools do not require replacement very frequently, and the computer is a tool that will last for several years if properly maintained. But it will need to be replaced.
And you will need to transfer data from your old computer to your new one.
Your computer is an intricate electronic tool. Electronic tools can be affected by electrical outages, lightning strikes and knocking over a cup of coffee that spills into the box.
You see, there are a number of events and circumstances that can threaten whatever is on your computer. Making backup copies of your stuff is essential. Digital cameras are great, and the photos don't turn yellow with age. Nor do they require much storage space in your home.
Zipping & Unzipping Software
WinZip, for years, was the industry standard for unzipping files. It's popularity was certainly enhanced by the fact it was free. Like the floppy disk, free WinZip went away. Now, the compression industry has a new sherriff in town, and his name is Stuffit.
Task |
Stuffit |
WinZip |
| 30% .jpeg photo compression without degradation |
Yes |
No |
| Automatic thumbnail preview of zipped photo galleries |
Yes |
No |
| Schedule automatic backups |
Yes |
No |
| Archive to backup only recently changed files |
Yes |
No |
| Catalog backup files for easy retrieval |
Yes |
No |
| Wizard-based compression |
Yes |
Yes |
| Unzip to over 20 different formats |
Yes |
No |
| Encryption for security in bits |
512 |
256 |
| One click compress & email |
Yes |
No |
| Password Protection of your archives |
Yes |
No |
| Complete integration with Microsoft Office |
Yes |
No |
Those are only a few of the highlights. Oh, yeah - Stuffit costs less than WinZip. Click here to get a 30-day trial copy free.