gzip is a UNIX program for compressing files. Developed under the GNU public license, gzip can usually at least halve the space that a file takes up. Furthermore, its compression method is well supported by other utilities on other computing platforms (such as WINZIP and Stuffit Expander), enabling you to decompress and work with your files on other computers

It is important to note that when you compress files, the originals are not deleted. You will have to delete them manually using the rm command.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Using GZIP (compress) and GUNZIP (expand)

GZIP To Compress Files:

The syntax for Gzip is

gzip filename

To achieve better compression, you can use the -9 option. (i.e. gzip -9 filename) This will take a little longer, but will result in your compressed file taking up less space.

GUNZIP To Expand Files:

To uncompress a file, the sister to Gzip is Gunzip. To uncompress a file, simply type

gunzip filename

Just like any UNIX program, full usage instructions for Gzip can be found using the man tool. Simply type man gzipat the prompt for full instructions.