Compressing Data Files

Last reviewed: 01/08/2009
Article ID: R10783

The information in this article applies to:

All Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Software Products

SUMMARY

This article provides a brief introduction to data compression, data compression utilities, and common uses of data compression with Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software products.

MORE INFORMATION

Data compression is a method of storing data in a format that requires less disk space than normal data.

There are several types of data compression, which use several different file formats. One of the most common data compression formats is *.zip. Other common data compression formats include *.arc, *.rar and *.cab. Some formats offer better compression ratios than others (e.g., some formats may reduce file sizes by a 2:1 ratio while others may only achieve a 1.5:1 ratio). Some types of data files can be compressed more effectively than others.

ABOUT DATA COMPRESSION UTILITIES

Data compression utilities are available from many sources. Newer versions of Windows (i.e., Windows Vista and Windows XP) include basic, built-in data compression and decompression capabilities. Freeware data compression utilities can be downloaded from the Internet. Companies such as PKWARE, Inc. (www.PKWARE.com) offer premium data compression and data management software for retail sale, and free evaluation versions of their products may be available.

Different data compression utilities may support different data compression formats. Some data compression utilities offer the ability to create "self-extracting EXE" files, which allow the recipient of the compressed file to decompress it without requiring a separate data compression utility.

Some data compression utilities provide the ability to encrypt and password-protect the contents of compressed files. Such files cannot be decompressed into usable format without providing the correct password. This provides security when transferring or transmitting potentially sensitive data files.

Instructions for use vary among the various data compression utilities available. Some data compression utilities have a graphical user interface for use with Windows operating systems, while others require command line instructions to be entered from a command prompt or an MS-DOS environment.

COMMON USES FOR DATA COMPRESSION WITH our SOFTWARE

Some situations that commonly involve the use of data compression with our software include:

Tabs3 Remote data files to be transferred to the main Tabs3 installation can be compressed for faster, more secure transfer. (See KB Article R10794 - Sending Tabs3 Remote Data Files to Tabs3, for more information.)
Bitmap files created by Software Technology, Inc. through the Bitmap Scanning Service are shipped as a single self-extracting, compressed archive.
Data files to be transferred via FTP for any purpose (e.g., in the event a data fix must be done at Software Technology, Inc.) can be compressed for faster, more secure transmission.
The built-in Back Up Data Files program in Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software programs uses data compression to create a single data file containing all data for the system being backed up.

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