|
Lana
Head Banana


Registered: 10/27/99
Posts: 3,109
Loc: www.MycoSupply.com
|
Whats the reason for compressing a file?
#15223942 - 10/14/11 08:03 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
I'm drinking a cup of coffee and a client of mine has sent me yet another .zip file. Not a big deal but it has got me to think.
I'd like to know why people bundle files like this?
I understand that 10 years ago storage space was more expensive, but nowadays, what's the purpose of compressing a file that's only a few Mb uncompressed?
Or maybe my question should be, what are the benefits of compressing a file?
Thanks Lana
-------------------- Myco Supply - Distributors of Mycological Products http://www.MycoSupply.com The Premiere Source for Mushroom Growing Supplies. Visit us online or call us toll free
|
koraks
Registered: 06/02/03
Posts: 26,729
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: Lana]
#15223950 - 10/14/11 08:06 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
Uploading a few MB's still takes some time on some dsl connections, but you're right, often, it doesn't matter much anymore. The only argument I can think of is that it's easier to bundle files and send them in one go this way, making it clear to the receiver that the files in the zip belong together, and the recipient is also certain that he's received all the files the sender intended to send.
Btw, note that many file formats are in fact compressed, even they don't come in a file format that would suggest so. The best-known example is jpeg, which is heavily compressed. That's also why zipping a jpeg doesn't do shit.
Edited by koraks (10/14/11 08:07 AM)
|
luvdemshrooms
Two inch dick..but it spins!?


Registered: 11/29/01
Posts: 34,247
Loc: Lost In Space
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: koraks]
#15223980 - 10/14/11 08:19 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
koraks said: Uploading a few MB's still takes some time on some dsl connections, but you're right, often, it doesn't matter much anymore.
True.
Quote:
The only argument I can think of is that it's easier to bundle files and send them in one go this way, making it clear to the receiver that the files in the zip belong together, and the recipient is also certain that he's received all the files the sender intended to send.
Also true, and a good reason.
Quote:
Btw, note that many file formats are in fact compressed, even they don't come in a file format that would suggest so. The best-known example is jpeg, which is heavily compressed. That's also why zipping a jpeg doesn't do shit.
Just as true.
I think though there are two additional reasons.
1. Old habits die hard for some. 2. People with old habits teaching their habits to the young.
Edited for formatting error which annoyed me.
-------------------- You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity. What one person receives without working for another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for that my dear friend is the beginning of the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it. ~ Adrian Rogers
Edited by luvdemshrooms (10/14/11 10:02 AM)
|
Seuss
Error: divide byzero



Registered: 04/27/01
Posts: 23,480
Loc: Caribbean
Last seen: 3 months, 8 days
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: koraks]
#15224235 - 10/14/11 09:43 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
> Uploading a few MB's still takes some time on some dsl connections, but you're right, often, it doesn't matter much anymore.
Some email servers will not allow large attachments to go through. Often, something like a Quickbooks company file can be highly compressed, compared to the native format, allowing it to get through the more restrictive mail servers.
Another place where compression pays is the distribution of popular software that will have thousands, if not millions, of downloads. Even if the compression is only saving a few percent, those few percent can add up to huge bandwidth savings if there is a lot of traffic. Web traffic is a good example of this as well. The web server and web client will often work together to compress and uncompress HTML (over HTTP) on the fly.
> That's also why zipping a jpeg doesn't do shit.
Most video formats, such as MPEG, are the same. Any user level compression usually results in a larger file size rather than a smaller file size.
|
CosmicJoke
happy mutant



Registered: 04/05/00
Posts: 10,848
Loc: Portland, OR
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: Seuss]
#15224323 - 10/14/11 10:08 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Some email servers will not allow large attachments to go through. Often, something like a Quickbooks company file can be highly compressed, compared to the native format, allowing it to get through the more restrictive mail servers.
also, one can send very, very large files this way, as a compressed file can be split to get around server file size limitations... i see these every day w/ usenet and rar files.
-------------------- Everything is better than it was the last time. I'm good. If we could look into each others hearts, and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care. It takes a lot of courage to go out there and radiate your essence. I know you scared, you should ask us if we scared too. If you was there, and we just knew you cared too.
|
imachavel
I loved and lost but I loved-ftw



Registered: 06/06/07
Posts: 31,564
Loc: You get banned for saying that
Last seen: 12 hours, 5 minutes
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: koraks]
#15224493 - 10/14/11 11:02 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
koraks said: Uploading a few MB's still takes some time on some dsl connections, but you're right, often, it doesn't matter much anymore. The only argument I can think of is that it's easier to bundle files and send them in one go this way, making it clear to the receiver that the files in the zip belong together, and the recipient is also certain that he's received all the files the sender intended to send.
Btw, note that many file formats are in fact compressed, even they don't come in a file format that would suggest so. The best-known example is jpeg, which is heavily compressed. That's also why zipping a jpeg doesn't do shit.
dude, if not compressed, how are you going to send like 20 compressed files? I mean through ftp sure, but in an email? I've had several problems sending too many photos in an email if not zipped up tight
--------------------
I did not say to edit my signature soulidarity! Now forever I will never remember what I said about understanding the secrets of the universe by paying attention to subtleties!
I'm never giving you the password again. Jerk
|
imachavel
I loved and lost but I loved-ftw



Registered: 06/06/07
Posts: 31,564
Loc: You get banned for saying that
Last seen: 12 hours, 5 minutes
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: Seuss]
#15224511 - 10/14/11 11:06 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Seuss said: > Uploading a few MB's still takes some time on some dsl connections, but you're right, often, it doesn't matter much anymore.
Some email servers will not allow large attachments to go through. Often, something like a Quickbooks company file can be highly compressed, compared to the native format, allowing it to get through the more restrictive mail servers.
Another place where compression pays is the distribution of popular software that will have thousands, if not millions, of downloads. Even if the compression is only saving a few percent, those few percent can add up to huge bandwidth savings if there is a lot of traffic. Web traffic is a good example of this as well. The web server and web client will often work together to compress and uncompress HTML (over HTTP) on the fly.
> That's also why zipping a jpeg doesn't do shit.
Most video formats, such as MPEG, are the same. Any user level compression usually results in a larger file size rather than a smaller file size.
yes and take for example, what if it was possible to send an image through the internet without zipping it into an .iso? jesus christ, many gigs??
--------------------
I did not say to edit my signature soulidarity! Now forever I will never remember what I said about understanding the secrets of the universe by paying attention to subtleties!
I'm never giving you the password again. Jerk
|
koraks
Registered: 06/02/03
Posts: 26,729
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: imachavel]
#15224577 - 10/14/11 11:22 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
imachavel said: dude, if not compressed, how are you going to send like 20 compressed files? I mean through ftp sure, but in an email? I've had several problems sending too many photos in an email if not zipped up tight
If you compressed 20 photo files into a single ZIP, the problem is only worse. I don't see what you mean, to be honest.
|
imachavel
I loved and lost but I loved-ftw



Registered: 06/06/07
Posts: 31,564
Loc: You get banned for saying that
Last seen: 12 hours, 5 minutes
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: koraks]
#15224615 - 10/14/11 11:30 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
how is the problem worse?
well be that as it may, none the less many times a file cannot up uploaded/transferred if it's no zipped. I wish I had a shiny pretty answer for why it would be better to NOT have zipped files. I always feel like the mechanic changing the oil. well the shiny front side of the bmw looks pretty and nice and clean, I'm always getting oil on my face under neath the car.
shroomism's answers always look really clean and simple while I know I tend to throw all my thoughts out there as if they were garbage for the trash man. this is only being that there is always a chicken and egg scenario to me. once again I'm so confused. how would not compressing a file make the transfer easier?
sure, 20 photo files sent in a single zip is going to be a large file, but would 20 photo files NOT zipped be a SMALLER file? this is my point of argument. if my way of thinking is correct, please correct it based on the point of view of my argument. thank you
--------------------
I did not say to edit my signature soulidarity! Now forever I will never remember what I said about understanding the secrets of the universe by paying attention to subtleties!
I'm never giving you the password again. Jerk
|
koraks
Registered: 06/02/03
Posts: 26,729
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: imachavel]
#15224633 - 10/14/11 11:36 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
Photos are usually stored in a compressed format as I already mentioned above, and zipping them doesn't help much. It's odd that you couldn't send a photo in its original format but you can send it zipped, if it's still the same size.
|
imachavel
I loved and lost but I loved-ftw



Registered: 06/06/07
Posts: 31,564
Loc: You get banned for saying that
Last seen: 12 hours, 5 minutes
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: koraks]
#15224669 - 10/14/11 11:46 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
oh I see what you are saying.
--------------------
I did not say to edit my signature soulidarity! Now forever I will never remember what I said about understanding the secrets of the universe by paying attention to subtleties!
I'm never giving you the password again. Jerk
|
encryptor


Registered: 05/15/03
Posts: 1,162
Last seen: 20 days, 9 hours
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: imachavel]
#15228048 - 10/15/11 01:18 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
if you compress files into a .zip file then it is a smaller file than the total individual files unzipped. it's quicker to send a smaller size file and quicker to download them. compressed folders (.zip) would consumes less bandwidth for companies who care about that. zip folders may not compress every file by 100% or more, but every % helps I suppose.
|
Middleman

Registered: 07/11/99
Posts: 8,399
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: Lana] 1
#15230741 - 10/15/11 06:53 PM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
There are two reasons to compress a zip file: To make several files into one or to make one large file into several smaller files.
Anyone who compresses a single file into a .zip is therefore doing it wrong.
|
Noteworthy
Sophyphile


Registered: 10/05/08
Posts: 5,599
Last seen: 11 years, 3 months
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: Middleman]
#15232690 - 10/16/11 07:29 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
OP: why wouldnt you want to reduce bandwidth and data volume?
its like saying 'why do people bother saving electricity these days when theres so many electrical devices everywhere?'
--------------------

|
Kizzle
Misanthrope



Registered: 08/30/11
Posts: 9,866
Last seen: 2 months, 10 days
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: Noteworthy]
#15232833 - 10/16/11 08:43 AM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
I also remember when they started with these free websites people would upload mp3s to them. Eventually some of them started blocking mp3 files, so people would zip them to keep the server from know it was an mp3. Doubt that happens much anymore.
--------------------
|
koraks
Registered: 06/02/03
Posts: 26,729
|
Re: Whats the reason for compressing a file? [Re: Middleman]
#15233758 - 10/16/11 01:36 PM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Mr. Middle said: Anyone who compresses a single file into a .zip is therefore doing it wrong.
There are situations in which it is opportune to compress a single file into a single zip. They are few and far between, but they are there, and a blanket statement like this is therefore a bit too harsh, I think.
|
|