What is file compression, and how does it work? File compression is a technique that reduces the size of computer files by encoding them to decrease their storage requirements. This technology can be used to save disk space, speed up file transfers, and manage data more efficiently. The process of file compression works by identifying redundant data within a file and encoding it using specific algorithms. These algorithms transform repeated data patterns into shorter representations. There are two common types of file compression: lossless and lossy. 1. Lossless compression: In this method, the compressed file can be restored to its original state without any information loss after decompression. Lossless compression algorithms are typically used for text files, programs, and images where preserving the integrity of the original data is crucial. 2. Lossy compression: This approach discards some data during the compression process, resulting in a decompressed file that is not an exact replica of the original. Lossy compression is often employed for audio and video files, as human perception of these media is relatively forgiving, and minor quality losses may go unnoticed. Common file compression formats include ZIP, RAR, and 7Z, which provide lossless compression functionality. JPEG and PNG are popular image file formats, with JPEG employing lossy compression, while PNG generally uses lossless compression. For audio, MP3 and AAC are lossy compression formats, while WAV and FLAC are lossless. In summary, file compression is a method of saving storage space by optimizing data representation. The choice of compression method depends on the application and the required file quality.

For many, storage space is a limiting factor – all the more so as technological improvements, such as higher video resolutions (4K or 8K), lead to larger files. That is why compressing them, without sacrificing the quality of the files or folders, to fit them onto devices with limited storage space, such as mobile devices, is crucial. And that is where file compression comes in.

Part 1: What is File Compression?

File compression is the primary process for reducing the size of data files to save space on media players and hard disks. Various software types employ compression, including backup programs, file management utilities, media applications, and operating systems.

The quality of this process, in the context of "How File Compression Works", depends on the type of source files and the algorithm used. However, typically, a compressed archive containing various files will be reduced to about half of its original total size. This technique is commonly used for media backups, software distribution, and archiving purposes.

Part 2: What Types of Compressed Files Are There?

Although there are many types of compressed files to choose from, the two most common benchmarks for file compression are:

·         ZIP Files: One of the most common compressed file extensions is the .zip file, which has been around since 1989. It's used to archive multiple files and folders and is compatible with both Windows and Apple operating systems. A ZIP file can contain one or more directories and files, and exporting to this format is straightforward across various software programs.

·Executable archive files - The EXE file extension is an executable file type that installer programs handle to deliver the features of an application, such as install.exe and setup.exe. However, application files with the .exe extension may have different filenames. It's worth noting that some EXE files are self-extracting, automatically transferring their contents to a specific folder once unzipped by the user.

Part 3: How File Compression Works

With an understanding of what file compression means, let's discuss how file extensions work. This technology helps reduce the size of a file without compromising the original data.

It is worth noting that the primary objective of file compression, and what makes it important, is to reduce storage space.

This process is achieved through specific compression algorithms, which are mathematical formulas used in the electronic compression/ decompression of data. To understand this concept better, we should familiarize ourselves with the two main techniques involved in file compression.

Lossy file compression:

If you're wondering how lossy compression works, the answer lies in getting rid of unnecessary information. This involves reducing the size of audio, image, and video files by eliminating non-essential data. As a result, the newly compressed file is not an exact replica of the original, which is often associated with formats like JPEG and MP3.

Lossless file compression:

This type of file compression ensures that the decompressed file is identical in size to the source file. Thus, no data is lost during compression or decompression, allowing you to efficiently extract an original file with the same quality and size as the source.

This process efficiently preserves the information in the original file without any extra fluff. Typical lossless file formats include ZIP (for files and folders), FLAC (for audio), and PNG (for images). This kind of compression is also used for storing video files.

Part 4: The Benefits of Compression

There are several advantages to compressing files and folders, and some of the main ones are:

· Users can expect faster data-transfer speeds.

· You can clear out unnecessary elements from your storage to make room for more app data or files.

• Document integrity and backup storage are at their best.

· Making data in documents more secure.

· Share files easily by email address.

• It is a cost-saving solution, as you can avoid investing in additional storage facilities.

Part 5: Drawbacks of Compression

As with all such solutions, file compression has its limits, which include:

· The decompression process requires more RAM, which can slow down your computer as it may pause other processes.

• When you later decompress the file, its size can sometimes be larger in the new format.

· File type encoding and decoding may take longer if the files are large.

• Even the best antivirus software may fail to scan inside compressed files, allowing malware/viruses contained in them to slip by undetected.

Part 6: How to Compress Files

Depending on your system, there are several ways to compress files safely and efficiently. For Windows users, the easiest method is to compress files directly through File Explorer.

Step 1: On your Windows computer, double-click the "File Explorer" icon to open it, or press Win + E.

Step 2: Open the folder on your internal or external hard drive that contains the file.

Open the folder that contains the files.

Step 3: Select the files you want to compress by pressing Ctrl + A on your keyboard.

To select files in different locations, press and hold the left mouse button, and drag the cursor over the files you want to choose.

The selected file will be highlighted in blue.

Selected files are highlighted in blue.

Step 4: Right-click on one of the files you've selected, and open the drop-down menu. Select “Send to,” and then click “Compressed (zipped) folder.”

Click on the Compress (Zipped) Folder option.

Or, on modern Windows devices, you can simply select the “Compress to ZIP file” option from the dropdown menu.

Step 5: A zip folder with a large zipper icon will appear. It will be named after the last file in the folder by default. You can right-click it and rename the zip file if you like.

Part 7: Extracting Files

After understanding what file compression is and the steps involved, the next concern would be how to decompress the file. The decompression process is similar to compressing through a file explorer.

Step 1: Press the Win + E keys simultaneously to open File Explorer. Navigate to the location of the compressed folder.

Go to the directory containing the compressed file

Step 2: Right-click on the ZIP file and select "Extract All."

Select Extract All.

Step 3: Select the destination folder where you want to save the extracted files, then click the "Extract" button.

Click the "Extract" option.

Step 4: If you want to extract only one file or folder, double-click to open the ZIP file, then copy and paste the file/folder, or drag it to the location where you want it.

Part 8: Creating Self-Extracting Zip Files

You can create an self-extracting archive or zip file without having to install a program. These files will have the .exe file extension.

Step 1: Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type “iexpress”. Press the “Enter” key on your keyboard or click “OK”.

Step 3:  In the next window, select the option to Create a new self-extracting archive, and then click Next. On the following screen, click Extract files only.

Step 5: Continue clicking Next when the wizard displays the command to create the archive. This will create an .exe file.

Part 9: Creating Multi-Volume Self-Extracting Archives

Just like a self-extracting archive, users can create the same compressed file type using multiple files. Here are the steps that Windows users need to follow.

Step 1: On your computer, open the “System32” folder and click on “iexpress.”

Create a shortcut to the file on your desktop screen.

Step 2: Click on the "iexpress" folder and then select the "Create new self-extracting archive" option.

Step 3: In the next window, click on the "Extract Files Only" option and then click Next.

Click the "Extract Files Only" option.

Step 4: Select the package and click "Prompt for use with:" and enter the following command:

Are you sure you want to extract these files?

Step 5: Click Don't show again, then choose Default.

Step 6: Select the "Display a message" option, and type "Your file has been successfully extracted."

Step 7: Choose a location to save, and click "Save Self-Describing File (SED)" if you will be adding more files. Otherwise, click "Don't Save."

Step 8: Click Next > Finish.

Part 10: Converting Compressed File Formats

With the right steps, you can convert a compressed file's format on Windows. You can do this quickly with the WinZip tool, or use an online converter like Convertio. First, choose the compressed folder (ZIP) you want to convert as the source file, then select another format as the target type.

Step 1: Open Convertio in your preferred web browser.

Step 2: Click on “Select File,” and add the file from your device.

Step 3: Once the converter loads, click on the three dots icon. Select another compressed file type.

Click on the three dots icon

Step 4: Then press the Convert button.

Conclusions

Compressing files and folders on your desktop can save space and make them easier to transfer. You can easily create a zip file through File Explorer, and extract it whenever you need to. You can also make an executable archive, like an .exe, if you want the compression to happen automatically. Follow the steps in each section carefully for both processes.