How to Use Bzip2 to Compress Files

Bzip2 is a Unix command used for file compression. Bzip2 is gaining popularity and is becoming more commonly used than other compression commands such as gzip.

Learn How to Use Bzip2 to Compress Files

Step1 Recognize the difference between archiving and compressing files. This is a common error made by new users. When you archive files, you take many different files and combine them into a single file. Compressing files is when you make one file more efficient. It is encoded so that it uses less storage space and becomes more succinct.

Step2 Create smaller bz files by using Bzip2. The mathematical processes used to achieve compression with Bzip2 is more complex and it thus requires more memory to use, but the results are good enough that you should experience no problems on most systems.

Step3 Compress your files with Bzip2 and the new file will appear with an extension of .bz or .bz2. The original file has been overwritten and replaced with a new one that uses less space to store the same information.

Step4 Don't worry about losing permissions applicable to the original file when you use Bzip2 to compress. They will be maintained in the new file.

Step5 Decompress your files when required by using bunzip2.

Step6 Click on the file you want to compress, then drag it to Compress Files.

Step7 Learn more about file compression and decompression straight from the source at Linux (see Resources below).

Know the Benefits of Using Bzip2 to Compress Files

Step1 Fill your disk drives with more useful applications using Bzip2 and you can in turn reduce the time it takes to download. This has the benefits of freeing your time while reducing traffic on the network--and even lowering your phone bill.

Step2 Use Bzip2 whenever you want. It is an open source tool that is intended for use by the masses, so you don't have to worry about violating any patent rules.

Step3 Recover from media errors. If part of a backup tape or disk is damaged, you may still be able to decompress the parts of the file that are undamaged. Other applications can cause total decompression failure if any part of the media is damaged.