How Do You Use A File Compression Program?
• Know the different types of file compression programs. • Utility-based compression: This type of file compression is standard with all PCs. The built-in utility program primarily performs what is known as file-to-file compression. It takes a single file—or multiple files—and compacts it into an “archive” file. A decompression program, such as WinZip, must then be used to unpack the new file. Downloaded software progams and big files are compressed in this manner. • Operating-system compression: Some computer operating systems—mainly those that are incompatible with DOS’s FAT (file evaluation table) file sytem and most Windows systems—compress individual files within that particular operating system. WindowsVista, for example, will support this file compression system when the operator uses the Vista file system. This utility is favored because it unpacks compressed files automatically as needed while allowing the user to determine what files are “zipped.” • Volume compression system:
