| Version | 1.0.5 |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Julian Seward |
| Release date | May 7, 2010 |
| Date added | Mar 17, 2008 |
| Os requirements | Windows, Windows 2000, Windows XP |
| Requirements | None |
| Total downloads | 61 243 |
| Downloads per week | 3 |
| Price | Free |
Description
Bzip2 is a data compressor that compresses files to within 10 to 15 percent of the available compression techniques, and is twice as fast at compression and six times faster at decompression than gzip. Its command line flags are similar to those of GNU gzip. If data from a back-up tape or disk contains errors, Bzip2 may still be able to decompress those parts of the file that are undamaged.
Review
This command line-enabled compression executable should satisfy power users, but the lack of a GUI means many will pass over this useful tool. Bzip2 is a command line tool with 15 options. Executing the program in a command window with the option 'help' is all the guidance users can expect. Each of the options gets a few words of explanation.
Bzip2 is easily invoked in batch files. Though it can't recover from some common errors in syntax, the application will force compression and promises to decompress some damaged archives. Testers found compression and decompression speeds average, but the program only offers one compression algorithm.
Commands to overwrite existing files, force compression, and suppress noncritical errors speak to this application's primary utilization as a batch file tool. Without a GUI and many expected options, Bzip2 isn't a tool for general compression and decompression needs. However, batch file fans, and command line devotees will like this freeware's simple command set and quick operation.
