If you are like me, you have a huge collection of pictures... mostly JPEGS and you'd really like to do something with them so they don't take up so much space. If you've ever tried to archive them using Zip, or even older versions of StuffIt, you're familiar with the problem; because JPEG images are already compressed, most archive utilities can't make them any smaller. The only option was to reduce the quality of the image in a graphic editing application.
Guess what? StuffIt Deluxe 9.0 for Windows now allows you to reduce the file size of your JPEG images without reducing the quality of the image! Whether you're taking pictures of the kids to share with your friends and family, or taking photos for a living, StuffIt's image compression technology has something to offer. This latest version has so many new features, it's mind boggling.
StuffIt Deluxe helps make using the Internet fast, safe, and secure! Whether you store data securely in space-saving archives or safely send it to friends and co-workers, StuffIt makes it easier than ever to backup, upload files, and more, automatically!
With its new photo compression technology, StuffIt does what no other compression product has been able to do - reduce the size of JPEG photos and images up to 30% with absolutely no loss in image quality! The images above are examples. I don't have a % meter, but when I tried it, I'd have to say 30% sounds right!
Where other technologies are unable to compress JPEG photos any further, StuffIt lets you fit more data onto CDs, DVDs, and other storage and backup media. This provides significant bandwidth saving for professionals, businesses, and hobbyists looking to share images over the Internet or on a network.
One of the many new features include new ways to protect you from receiving viruses embedded in compressed archives. StuffIt works with installed virus scanning software (including solutions from McAfee, Symantec, Computer Associates, Trend Micro and all popular anti-virus software) to scan all files automatically when they are expanded from an archive. Yes, it works with AVG, which is the anti-virus program I use.
Here's a look at the startup page with all the options:
It also has ZipMagic built in. ZipFolders is an exclusive patented technology that allows users' computers to open zip archives as if they were regular Windows folders. This is a pretty nifty feature that allows users to access zipped files directly from the open dialog of all favorite applications. You can even modify compressed files and save them back into the zip archive without ever having to decompress it.
Also new is the ability to encrypt a whole archive so that a password is required to open and browse the contents of the archives.
You can now access all of StuffIt's major functions and features from the System Tray, a quick way to access or compress your files and images.
An updated interface makes it even easier to use and gives you greater customization options. And, the Wizards were updated to add new functionality.
9.0 is faster than earlier versions and the compression methods were optimized to produce even smaller archives.
Since it's faster than earlier versions, you can create a searchable index of any CD or DVD. They can list all the files stored on the disc and the contents of any archives on a disc, enabling them to quickly browse and search CDs and DVDs The Disk Index works in tandem with StuffIt's ArchiveSearch feature, which browses and searches archives still stored on the computer hard drive.
How about an easy drag and drop?
It's as easy as it looks!
Here's a real winner... you can shrink documents up to 98% of their original size! Freeup tons of space on your hard disk! Save more compressed files onto CDs or DVDs!
How about that old bugga-boo... backup! StuffIt makes it easy to protect your data, or your whole hard disk. Schedule backups to run automatically while you sleep, and it will even send you a confirmation message to assure you your data is safe.
You can find files in ZIP or SIT compressed archives, even locate files that have been backed up to CD or DVD and erased on your hard disk!
This is my favorite feature, it's integrated with MS Office! Compress, save, and send all in one single click, from MS Word, Excel or Outlook. This is a fantastic time saver that does away with dozens of clicks and keystrokes!
It evens keeps secrets. Super-strong 512-bit encryption and password protection keeps your data safe.
Automate FTP & Email. Point and click your way to instant automation. StuffIt Express lets you combine any number of steps into a single drop box. Eliminate routine tasks and simplify your life.
Perhaps most important, it's safe and secure! StuffIt self-repairs archived data, keeping it safe from transmission and media errors.
OK, I admit it, I'm really impressed with this program and I do believe it's worth the price... which varies depending on the vendor. Last month, buy.com actually had a rebate that made it almost free, so I'd advise you to shop around and see what's available this month. The MSRP is $39.99 or $14.99 to upgrade if you are already a StuffIt user.
StuffIt is definitely not as simple to use as its rivals, but the new version is the best choice for power users who need to do more with file compression and certainly the best choice for a regular (read me), as opposed to a power user, who takes the time to learn all the neat stuff (no pun intended) you can do with it!
That's it for now, until next time, have fun with electronics and computers.
Aloha, Lou
