I was wondering how iso distributors compress their rar files to such small sizes. For instance, it would be 1gb, and the guy compresses it using Winuha and it shrinks to 288mb. How is this possible? I've tried compressing the file normally, but the file keeps its original filesize no matter how I change the buffer size. I hear that advanced users use command line parameters.

i think the compression is somehow modified and adopted to the game data. like, zipped wav would still have more than compressed mp3, cause mp3 compression is made for waves

by the way, somebody move this to technical

Some file types are more compressible than others. Some file types are already compressed in its native format and so you hardly gain anything from compressing them again. When compressing many files together, especially similar ones, you can enhance the compression by bundling them into a "solid" archive. WinRAR can do this, don't know about other compressors.

MP3 is something special, you can choose your quality.
In low quality it will simply lower the sampling frequence, gives a lost in quality, but extreme compression.
If you want very high quality it almost doubles in size compared to the low quality encoding.
It's losely based on the Jpeg pinciples(MP=Mpeg).

Games that are extremely compressed also first compress their sound files in MP3, the install program decompress them when installed to WAV (for windows), or they are coded to use MP3 directly, depends.
Same for their image files.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dosraider @ Aug 9 2007, 11:47 AM) [snapback]303842[/snapback]</div>I have to be nosy here: :bleh:
This has nothing to do with compression this is just decreasing filesize.
The aim is the same but the method isn't. :sneaky:

It's true that some file types can be compressed into even smaller sizes.
I still do not understand the reason why advanced users utilize the command line parameters,batch files, or why they create Winuha self-extracting rar/zip files.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(strider @ Aug 9 2007, 12:45 PM) [snapback]303856[/snapback]</div>As for you second point the self extracting files are on the one hand service (more comfortable) on the other hand you guarantee that everybody can use it, since the user doesn't have to have any unpacking programs.
Didn't get your point 'bout .bat files. They're simple and small and often used for connecting printers.

Bat files can be used for a number of reasons. It saves time entering commands in the command console, can be used to run not only in printer connections, but also dos game installations and other commands. Preferably, I use Batch commands for mass netsending or auto-deleting temp files.

Maliciously, it can be programmed to screw up a hard drive.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dosraider @ Aug 9 2007, 11:47 AM) [snapback]303842[/snapback]</div>you can choose "quality" (leve of compression) almost at Anything. for example, by you mentioned jpges too

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(_r.u.s.s. @ Aug 9 2007, 04:58 PM) [snapback]303934[/snapback]</div>Oh rly? almost at anything?
Program files ?
ISOs?
Naaaaa, not at almost anything.
Only for 'some'.
Only when quality loss isn't an issue. We don't talking compression rate here, but take info away from the original file to reduce it.
You take one bit away from a prog file and you corrupt the archive. Not so for music nor image files.