compressing files

Question

When we e-mail pictures to someone with a dial-up service it can literally take hours for them to download. I have a Dim 8300 with an XP os and it has a ZipCentral icon on the desktop. Does this mean I could compress the pictures for quicker download on the other end, and if so is there a good tutorial out there to explain the process to me? If I am able to compress these pics what does the recipient need to have to open them? As always I appreciate your input, Tubbman.

iceman215 · Answer

My advice is to create a compressed folder on the desktop and just copy the pictures into the folder and then send it. To create a compressed folder left click on the desktop and select compressed folder.

Tom

Tubbman · Answer

Left clicking on the desk top does not open up any windows for me Tom. Did you mean to left click on a specific icon/shortcut?

Denny Denham · Answer

Tubbman, The following is from Windows Inside Out: If you manually attach an image file to a message, Microsoft Outlook Express, Outlook 2000/2002, and other e-mail client programs will send the original, uncom-pressed image. However, Windows XP can help you shrink the size of the image and convert the file to a compressible format, if you use the right technique. To do so, follow these steps: Open a Windows Explorer window and select one or more picture files. Click the E-Mail This File link in the File And Folder Tasks pane. If you make multiple selections, the wording of this task link changes to apply to the selected items or to all items in a folder. (If this option isn’t visible, right-click the selection and choose Send To, E-Mail Recipient from the shortcut menu.) In the Send Pictures Via E-Mail dialog box, the Make My Pictures Smaller option is selected by default. Click the Show More Options link to display the expanded version of this dialog box. By default, this option converts BMP and TIFF images to JPEG format (because GIF and JPEG images are already compressible, using this option leaves those file formats alone). It then compresses the file substantially and resizes the image to 640x480 pixels. If you’re willing to accept a larger file size in exchange for more detail, you can select the Medium (800x600) or Large (1024x768) options instead. Make a selection and click OK. Windows opens your default e-mail program, creates a new message, and attaches the compressed image file(s). Add message text, insert the recipient’s address, and click the Send button without worrying that you’ll be overloading someone’s Inbox.

Tubbman · Answer

Denny, after I open a picture file through Explorer as you suggest, how do I get to the File and Folder Tasks pane you mention? Thanks for your patience as I know this is simple stuff but I'll get there with your help, Tubbman.

Tubbman · Answer

Sorry Denny, I jumped the gun. I did use your second option of right clicking and choosing Send To and it worked exactly as you said. You have helped me yet again, many thanks. If you find yourself in the Tucson area my wife and I are buying the beer!

Windows General

compressing files

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