• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Technipages

Smart phone, gadget and computer tutorials

  • Topics
    • Android
    • Gaming
    • Hardware
    • Internet
    • iOS
    • MacOS
    • Office
    • Software
    • Windows
    • Definitions
  • Product Reviews
  • Downloads
  • About

File Compression Utility

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Mel Hawthorne

File Compression utility is the name for a type of utility program that compresses and decompresses files that aren’t commonly used. Most of them can compress infrequently used files to use between 40 and 90% less space on a hard disk – this space can then be used by other, more commonly used things.

 

Technipages Explains File Compression Utility

Not all file compression utility tools can compress all file types – some can only work with, say downloadable font files. Which type is used depends on the user, their preference and their setup. These programs usually place a special driver that stays active in the memory when something is compressed. This isn’t malicious and doesn’t take up unnecessary resources, but it means that files can be decompressed (and recompressed) as needed, and much faster than it would be to load the program completely every time.

It’s worth noting that file compressing and file archiving (the process in which files are stored in a specific archive, turning multiples into one file) are generally separate, but because of how well they work together, programs like WinZip do often combine both functions. This means that in addition to compressing and decompressing files as is standard, WinZip can also add them to the Zip archive file type that many users know, allowing for multiple files to be stored in one archive – a considerably smaller archive than the sum of each individual file outside of the archive would have been.

Common Uses of File Compression Utility

  • File compression utility programs can save a huge amount of space when used effectively.
  • Not all file types respond equally well to file compression utilities – some can be compressed more, others less.
  • Archiving compressed files can declutter and free up even more space on a desktop.

Common Misuses of File Compression Utility

  • Using file compression utility software means that file types that match the software are automatically reduced in size as much as possible.

You Might Also Like

  • How to Disable Windows File Compression
    How to Disable Windows File Compression
  • What is an ARF File and How Do I Open It?
    What is an ARF File and How Do I Open It?
  • What is an EPS File and How to Open It
    What is an EPS File and How to Open It
  • What Happens When You Compress a File?
    What Happens When You Compress a File?
  • File Manager Pro: How to Use It
    File Manager Pro: How to Use It
  • How to Convert RAR File to ZIP
    How to Convert RAR File to ZIP
  • Send PRN File to Printer
    Send PRN File to Printer
  • Outlook: Fix "This file cannot be previewed"
    Outlook: Fix "This file cannot be previewed"
  • Where is the Outlook PST File Located?
    Where is the Outlook PST File Located?

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • How to Set Up a Recurring Meeting in Teams
  • Fix: Microsoft Teams Keeps Freezing My Computer
  • Are you having problems with the Galaxy S21 Wi-Fi? Here’s how you can fix it
  • How to Migrate Skype For Business Users To Teams
  • How to Get the Most out of Google Files App
  • Fix Microsoft Teams Channel Email Not Working
  • Microsoft Teams: Cannot Create New Folder in Files
  • Fix: Microsoft Teams Guests Can’t Chat

Who’s Behind Technipages?

Baby and Daddy My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my personal blog.

You May Also Like

  • Compression Ratio
  • Compression Algorithm
  • Encapsulated Postscript (EPS) File

© Copyright 2021 Technipages · All Rights Reserved · Privacy