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A'''compressed file''' is any kind of [[computer]] file which has been optimized to consume less drive space that usual using the process of [[data compression]].  Since there is so much redundant data in any large file, compressed files can consume.

A '''compressed file''' is any kind of [[computer]] file which has been optimized to consume less drive space that usual using the process of [[data compression]].  Since there is so much redundant data in any large file, compressed files can consume.

==Advantages==

==Advantages==

*Network communication can be reduced

*Network communication can be reduced

==Disadvantages====

==Disadvantages==

In some cases, compression can be potentially harmful.  These include:

In some cases, compression can be potentially harmful.  These include:

*Flash memory wear: Flash Drives, Secure Digital (SD) cards, and [[solid-state drive]]s can wear out more quickly due to the increased read/write operations required<ref name="answers.microsoft.com">http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-files/compress-this-drive-to-save-disk-space-does-anyone/cacb889a-66c4-4a51-b742-f94f9fe5c6af?auth=1</ref>

*Flash memory wear: Flash Drives, Secure Digital (SD) cards, and [[solid-state drive]]s can wear out more quickly due to the increased read/write operations required<ref name="answers.microsoft.com">http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-files/compress-this-drive-to-save-disk-space-does-anyone/cacb889a-66c4-4a51-b742-f94f9fe5c6af?auth=1</ref>

*Increased file vulnerability: A single lost of corrupted bit can result in the entire file being destroyed

*Increased file vulnerability: A single lost of corrupted bit can result in the entire file being destroyed

*Increased drive vulnerability: If an entire drive is compressed (an option which [[Windows]] makes easy in its modern versions) then this problem can be magnified--a lost bit or two can cause the entire contents of the drive to be destroyed.

*Increased drive vulnerability: If an entire drive is compressed (an option which [[Windows]] makes easy in its modern versions) then this problem can be magnified—a lost bit or two can cause the entire contents of the drive to be destroyed.

Additionally, compressing files (or file systems) requires more work from the computer's processor, so this tends to decrease the operating speed on the computer while it is accessing such files.

Additionally, compressing files (or file systems) requires more work from the computer's processor, so this tends to decrease the operating speed on the computer while it is accessing such files.

==References==

==References==

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