Z is for Zip

NCH Software ABCs Series

Whether you are compressing individual files to reduce their size, or compressing groups of files and folders into a single, tightly wrapped package, file compression is useful for both data storage and sharing files. Particularly when transferring large files the reduced file sizes from compression can make emailing and sending large amounts of content much more efficient.

The .zip file format was one of the first, and remains one of the most common, file compression formats. So common that "zip" has become synonymous with file compression. Even when other compression or archive formats are used people will still frequently refer to the process of extracting the contents of those file as "unzipping."

When it comes to Express Zip file compression software, part of what makes it great is allowing users to "unzip" those other archive formats. Express Zip only creates new .zip files, but it will open or "unzip" other compressed archive files, or even convert them into .zip files for greater compatibility with other you might pass the file onto in the future. So be sure to zip up your data in fast and functional way with Express Zip to help make your data storage and file sharing easy and worry free.

<<< Previous: Y is for YouTube

Audiophiles Rejoice

xkcd - Audiophiles

Do you have a significant investment in audio equipment and want to get the most range from your music collection? Do you want the crisp highs and deep bass you�re used to from CD�s? Then stop listening to audio compressed in the outdated MP3 format! Anytime audio is compressed, even with 320kbps quality MP3s, some range is sacrificed to reduce the file size and sound artifacts can occur.

For true studio sound, lossless formats such as an uncompressed WAV (Waveform Audio File Format), or a compressed FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), are the better option, even though they require more storage space. The smaller file size of the lossless FLAC is great for music collections, supports tagging for artist and album information, and is ideal for streaming audio because it is fast seeking. One note of caution if you�re straying away from your computer, while FLAC is a popular lossless audio format, not all devices, like car stereos, will support playback without modification.

Additionally, editing music in lossless formats, like with our WavePad Audio Editor Software, means you can exercise more control, on more sound data than with other formats. Starting with the highest quality possible source will result in the best final product. Use our other audio tools, like Switch Audio File Converter Software, to batch convert audio files between formats, for example if you don�t have room for your FLAC collection on your gym iPod.

Give your equipment and ears the quality they deserve!

U is for Utilities

NCH Software ABCs Series

Software utilities utilities might be less glamorous than our other software products, but this category includes all of the software titles that you need to get your computer working for you. We�ve got software that can help with anything, including all of the day-to-day and maintenance tasks that you might need accomplished. Our focus to bring you fast and easy-to-use software is even more important for programs that fit in this category, as you want these utilities to get the job done. Whether you are burning a disc, backing up files, or cleaning your windows registry, here is our complete list of utility software:

• Bolt PDF printer
  
• Classic FTP file transfer software
  
• Doxillion document and pdf converter
  
• Express Burn disc burning software
  
• Express Zip file compression software
  
• FastFox word expander software
  
• FileFort backup software
  
• Fling ftp syncronization software
  
• KeyBlaze typing tutor software
  
• Meo file encryption software
  
• Orion data and photo recovery
  
• Verbose text to speech screen reader
  
• Verity parental control software
  
• Warp PC registry cleaner
  

<<< Previous: T is for Typing

Next: V is for Video >>>

Best File Compression Software: Express Zip

The Olympics haven't started yet, but NCH Software has already won a Gold this summer. TopTenReviews just named Express Zip File Compression Software the best file compression software. We were thrilled to not only win the Gold, but to have the reviewers notice the easy-to-use features we have been working so hard on. Saying Express Zip's "simple, intuitive interface takes much of the guesswork out of compressing files," they go on to conclude:

"At the end of the day, compressing and extracting files isn't something you want occupying large portions of your brainpower. Express Zip by NCH Software does its level best to eliminate this task from your daily routine as much as possible. It accomplishes it by reducing the number of minutes and seconds it takes to perform the job."
� TopTenReviews

You can read the complete review of Express Zip on the TopTenReviews website. Or, just install it on your PC or Mac today so it will be at the ready the next time you need a file compression tool.

Unzip To See What's Inside

Today's Google Doodle is a zipper in honor of Gideon Sundback, the creator of the modern day zipper. Today you can unzip the Google homepage to see search results. Not only is this another fun addition to the long line of Google Doodles but it actually made me pause to think about the zipper. When I�m getting dressed or putting on a coat I don't think about zippers; they are simply part of the garment.

Similarly, we have been discussing improvements to Express Zip, and I�ve never considered how zip files were named. Usually compression is the first thing that comes to mind when I start thinking about the software/file side of zipping. However, it is still a way to bring together two or more parts into one file, similar to bringing together two sides of your jacket with a zipper. When you unzip a file it is just like what Google is doing today - unzipping it to see what is inside. With Express Zip file compression software, we are making zipping and unzipping files as easy as using any other zipper.

UnZIP, UnRAR and More on a Mac or PC

Zip and Rar archive formats might be particularly popular for compressing files on Windows, but that doesn't mean that Mac users shouldn't also be able to open those files. Express Zip is an easy way to open and extract files from many different archive formats, and we recently released it for OS X for the first time. Mac computers are more common than ever, which has helped with file compatibility issues that have been one of the biggest challenges between Macs and PCs. Express Zip joins our range of file converters that all help you open or convert file formats that might otherwise leave you helpless, making sure you never have a file you cannot open whether you're on a Mac or a PC.

Do More with Audio - Blog Carnival October 3, 2011

Here are this edition's entries to Do More with Audio:


HBAJAKE presents Should You Use Compression In Audio Recording? posted at Home Brew Audio

Martha presents Katy Perry Ties Michael Jackson's Record; Will She Break It?, saying, "Katy Perry is no one-hit wonder. This week, her latest single reached number one on Billboard�s Hot 100 chart. The track is her fifth number-one single off her latest album, which ties her for the most all-time off of one record. Michael Jackson was the only other artist to ever reach that number."

Danielle MacInnis presents Podcasting for small business posted at Flying Solo

Kelley Wilson presents 10 Reasons that iTunes is So Popular posted at MacApper.

Ken presents Top Audio Editor Even More Affordable In September posted at Pro PC Audio Recording on a Budget

Lisa Hood presents 10 Groups That Need to Be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posted at ZenCollegeLife, saying, "Each year when the nominations are announced for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, people often pay more attention to who's not on the list than to who actually might be inducted."

bristolstudios presents Recording: Home Quality vs. Studio Quality posted at bristol recording and voice studios

Marie Kazalia presents Making Music From Everyday Objects, saying, "Sound artist R. Weis created his new Excitable Audible CD over a period of more than two years using recordings of many commonplace sounds found in his home."


You might also be interested in:

• Convert and Compress Audio, and other Files
  
• WavePad: New Look, New Tools, New Features
  
• Hamish and Andy use WavePad to detect lies
  
• Practice Typing from Audio
  
• New Wave TV Review of NCH Golden Records
  
• Ductoid Review of NCH Audio Essentials
  

That concludes this edition of Do More with Audio. Be sure to Submit your audio articles for the next edition.

Convert and Compress Files

Whether you're on a Mac or a PC, these conversion applications cover nearly every file type you'll run into, making them the most complete and reliable software for converting and compressing files out there.

Switch Audio File Converter

For your music, presentations, or audio projects, Switch Audio Converter lets you put your music anywhere at any time. Convert music for your iPod, PSP or phone. Compress audio to save hard drive space. Create a ringtone on your phone by converting the format, or even extract audio from video files.

Prism Video File Converter

Your computer might only be able to open certain video file types. Use Prism Video Converter to ensure you'll always be able to watch your videos. With Prism you have complete control over video settings such as compression and encoder rates, resolution, frame rate, and size output. You can also batch convert thousands of files at once and preview videos before conversion.

Pixillion Image File Converter

Pixillion isn't just image conversion software, there are many additional settings to make adjustments to your images while converting including adding watermarks, adjust the image quality, size or resolution, or even crop and rotate photos.

Express Zip File Compression Software

Express Zip is currently the only application on this list that is only available for Windows, but it is an extremely valuable compression tool. Use Express Zip archiving software to create, manage, and extract zipped files and folders. Plus extract files from a variety of other archive formats including rar, cab, iso, tar, and 7z or convert those archives into zip files. You can also easily email zipped files from the program or simply compress files to save disk space.

Open, Convert and Manage Archived Files

Compressing and archiving files and folders is very useful thing to do when emailing and sharing information, or simply to save disk space. The zip format is one of the most widely used there are a large number of other archive file formats out there. Instead of getting a program for every archive file format out there Express Zip offers a more complete solution. With Express Zip not only can you create, edit and manage any zip file, you can also open, extract, or convert any of the following archive file types into a zip file, so files and data won't be out of reach, no matter if they are compressed as a rar, cab, tar, tgz, 7z, iso or img archive.