What is the effect of data compression?

Correct answer: Reduce file size. Data compression reduces the size of a file so it takes less space and sends faster.

Background: ZIP is a common compression format.

• Increase file size: Compression decreases, not increases, file size.
• Slow down process: Compression usually speeds up transfers.
• Damage data: Compression does not damage data (lossless) or damages it only slightly (lossy).

Did you know? JPEG and MP3 use lossy compression.

Memory trick: Compress = make smaller.