Data Compression Software

Data compression software is a utility program that reduces the size of files. It stores a file's data in a more efficient way so that it takes up fewer bytes. For example, a folder of school documents that is 60 MB might shrink to about 20 MB after compression, so it is easier to keep or send.

Smaller files bring two main benefits. First, they save storage space: more files fit on a hard drive, USB stick or memory card before it becomes full. Second, they reduce transfer time: a smaller file has fewer bytes to send, so it uploads, downloads or travels as an email attachment more quickly. The same connection can carry more files in the same amount of time.

Data compression software is not the same as backup software: a backup makes a second copy of a file in case the original is lost, while compression makes a smaller version of the file itself.