[Triumf-linux-managers] FYI - new file compression tools

[Konstantin Olchanski]

On Wed, Dec 08, 2010 at 03:17:15PM -0800, Andrew Daviel wrote:
> 
> After years of using gzip everywhere (and lately bzip2, and back in 
> prehistory, "compress", and occasionaly unrar), I find 3 new compression 
> tools in 2 weeks. All better on text than bzip2.
>


Also exists a number of compression programs specialized
for compression and decompression **speed** as opposed
to compression ratio.

Exotic (non-mainstream) compression and decompression programs
always existed, but when using them one has to consider that
many aspects of compression mathematics are patented (starting
with IBM back in the 1960-ies for arithmetic coding, etc).

Specifically, gzip (a derivative of PKZIP) and bzip2 (independantly
"invented") are believed to be "safe to use" wrt patent and
copyright police breaking down your doors. (or more likely
IP trolls shaking you down for money).


-- 
Konstantin Olchanski
Data Acquisition Systems: The Bytes Must Flow!
Email: olchansk-at-triumf-dot-ca
Snail mail: 4004 Wesbrook Mall, TRIUMF, Vancouver, B.C., V6T 2A3, Canada