Find Duplicates for Compressed File Formats

We all know how duplicate files accumulated in one’s computer can get aggravating at times. These dupes do nothing but waste storage space and mess up with the performance of the computer big time. In this article, we will discuss the different kinds of compressed files that exist and how we can easily identify them to get rid of them in no time.

What Are Different Compressed Files?

Compressed files are known as such because they contain the same data but with reduced file size and sometimes, file quality as well. Let’s take a brief look at the prominent compressed file types:

• .7z – 7-Zip Compressed File: Created via an open-source software called 7 Zip, these files use LZMA, a lossless data compression method. These files are reduced in terms of size without affecting the file quality. They can also contain multiple directories/ files.
• .arj – ARJ Compressed File: Compressed via the ARJ Archiver, these files are used when there is a need for supporting data integrity protection, file version management, multiple volume archives or even long file names.
  
• .deb – Debian Software Package File: These files are used as executables to install different applications/ tools in Unix-based operating systems such as Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Edubuntu, and PCLinuxOS.
• .pkg – Package file: These files allow the creation of .SIS files on Symbian OS devices using the “makesis” command. They consist of instructions like the vendor name and software dependencies in a plain text format.
  
• .rar – Roshal Archive Compressed File: These are more like data containers, which can hold multiple files and folders inside them. They are mostly used by software providers to reduce the size of their software installation packages while putting them on the web for others to download.
  
• .rpm – Red Hat Package Manager: These were previously only used to distribute, install and upgrade software on Red Hat Linux-based operating systems, but now they are used by other Linux distributors also.
• .tar.gz – Tarball Compressed File: These are created using TAR packaging, which is then followed by a GNU compression. They can hold multiple files and are usually used on Unix operating systems as programs, installers or package files.
  
• .z – Z Compressed File: These are mainly used on Unix systems for creating compressed archives to magnetic tapes as backups.
• .zip – Zip Compressed File: These also support lossless compression of data through compression algorithms such as DEFLATE. They can hold multiple compressed or uncompressed files/folders using the “zipped” compression.

 

Find Duplicates for Compressed Files?

When it comes to images, it might be easier to look for duplicates since you can detect duplicates with the naked eye. However, in the case of compressed files, you will have to open each of them individually and in today’s age, it becomes quite a task to do that manually.

Although there are many duplicate finding applications available on the web, most of them are only suitable to work with common .zip files. Clone Files Checker is one application that stands out for the flexibility and accuracy it provides while working with file formats of all types. Yes, you heard that right – all kinds of compressed files, and all other file types also!

 

Clone Files Checker

No matter whether you are a Windows user or a Mac OS one, CFC has got your back. It is compatible with Windows 10/ 8.1/ 8/ 7/ Vista/ XP and macOS 10.14/ 10.13/ 10.12/ OS X. With just a few easy to follow steps, you can detect all duplicate compressed files and say goodbye to them after following a few simple steps.

• Select the target location which you want to scan and then select Custom | Archives
• You can (optionally) customize the scan on file size
• Once the scan is over, you will be provided the results in the form of a popup
• Now you can use the wizard-based Quick Fix option to automatically delete all trashy duplicates or go for Review & Fix. This route allows you to manually review files and provides more advanced options to select duplicates
• The final step is to choose between purging the duplicate compressed files or moving them to a folder (if you think they might be handy in the future)
• If you accidentally delete a file, CFC also allows you to recover it instantly (provided you have turned on the Backup feature)

Once you give Clone Files Checker a try, you will instantly realize what a lifesaver it is! Not only will you be able to recover a sufficient amount of storage space, but you will also observe an improvement in the overall performance of your device.