When it comes to storing data, most users don't apply any kind of optimization due to the benefits offered by the average density of hard drives. However, when distributing files, web connections become the number one enemy, and efficiency takes on a much more important role. That's when programs like FileOptimizer come into play. With just a couple of clicks you can reduce the size of dozens of formats thanks to a series of automatic "lossless recompressions"
Compressing data for deep storage adds an extra layer of efficiency, but if the chosen medium suffers any kind of damage, that compression becomes an obstacle during recovery. A good middle ground is to apply optimizations and special compressions to individual files.
The so-called "distribution formats" such as PDF are not perfect, and when we add the cost of bandwidth into the equation, any improvement is welcome. Imagine a webpage with a PDF document downloaded ten thousand times a month. Even if the size optimization is five percent, its benefit multiplies with each download.
Reducing file sizes
An excellent application to implement that optimization and compression is FileOptimizer, by Javier Gutiérrez Chamorro. The software is compatible with dozens of formats in audio, video, images, executables, databases, and much more. It works thanks to a large package of dozens of plugins, which are actually utilities made by third parties. The process would be very tedious if done manually, but FileOptimizer simplifies it to a couple of clicks.
FileOptimizer delivers on its promise and works very well, but every user will sooner or later ask the same question: "Is it worth it?" In a test, I decided to present FileOptimizer with one of the most complicated exercises: the optimization of JPG files. The technical details of the format don't provide much room for maneuver, and after several minutes of work, FileOptimizer optimized the space of a 45 MB pack by nine percent... four megabytes.
Of course, the final performance changes with each format, but if you feel you need that nine percent, and your priority is distributing information over the web, this is the tool.
