When we need to send large video, audio, or image files over the internet, most of us prefer zipping files before sending them. Usually, it compresses the files into smaller sizes and makes them easy to send. Many free tools are available in the market that offers lossless compression. WinZip, 7-Zip, and WinRAR are some of the most popular compression tools that have been on the market for decades.
Zipping certainly offers many advantages. It reduces the file size and allows you to encrypt the data. Besides, it is fairly simple to use. However, zipping also comes with a set of disadvantages. Here, we will discuss the problems you might face when you zip your large files before sending them via the internet.
Zipped Files Are More Prone to Get Corrupt
You receive a zipped folder attached to an email. You download it to your device. When you click to open it, you receive an error message that the files are damaged and cannot be opened. It is not as uncommon as you thought.
Now imagine it’s a work file you sent to your client, and the client receives a corrupt file. It will delay the process of delivering the project output and might impact your future deals with the client.
Takes up More Disc Space
When you zip a file, you actually create two copies of the file. One is the original, and the other one is the zipped version. This extra data takes up space on your device. When it’s a small file, it might not be an issue. However, if you have to deal with significantly larger files regularly, you may encounter memory issues on your computer.
Consumes More Time
The act of zipping files takes time. The system first collects the data from the file and creates a compressed version of the same. Again, if the file size is smaller, it is not a huge deal. However, for big files, it will impact workflow and turn-around time.
Malware Attacks
Zipped folders are often more susceptible to malware attacks. Anti-virus software is often not able to scan a zipped file for malware. If the recipient downloads the file to their computer, it might get exposed to spyware, Trojan, or other malware. Even when you have no control over it, it may harm your reputation if the file comes from you.
Cross-Platform Compatibility Issues
With zipped files, you may often encounter cross-platform compatibility issues. It is often observed that a file zipped on a Windows machine cannot be opened on Mac or Linux. The same can happen when you compress the folder on a Mac machine, but the recipient has a Windows system. This is more frequent when the file size exceeds 4 GB.
The Way Out
All the above issues can be avoided if you use a cloud-based online platform, such as Bigg.ly, designed to send large files. When you send a big file via such services, you do not need to think about zipping files before uploading.
With Bigg.ly, you need to drag and drop the files. Bigg.ly then scans your files for viruses and zips them into a uniquely named folder. You don’t have to spend time and disc space to zip the file, the files are virus-scanned, and there’s no risk of compatibility issues.