Twenty years ago, Smith Micro introduced their file compression and archiving software, StuffIt. Earlier this year, they announced the newest updated version, StuffIt Deluxe 2009, with a tie-in sweepstakes and prizes. There are numerous applications available for creating "zipped" archives and compressing files, but StuffIt Deluxe 2009 is one of the most versatile and useful such programs that I've tested. An economical utility with multiple features for people who don't have the wherewithal to upgrade their systems every six months, StuffIt Deluxe 2009 helps users optimize limited disk space and streamline tasks. It includes several clever tools, and is just plain fun to play with.
Like other zipper applications, StuffIt Deluxe 2009 allows the user to easily select and bundle multiple files into single archives with varying degrees of compression, employing the near-universal .zip format. However, StuffIt Deluxe 2009 offers a proprietary format, StuffItX, that allows for a higher level of compression. In StuffItX format, jpeg and other media files may be compressed as much as 50% with no loss of quality. As an expander tool, StuffIt Deluxe 2009 supports multiple platforms and will expand Apple and Unix archives as well as those created under Windows. (For complete technical specifications and a feature-by-feature comparison with WinZip, see the product information page on Smith-Micro's Web site.)
The software installs quickly and easily, creating a program folder for itself and another folder in the user's directory under Local Settings, as well as tagging all archive files on the computer with a StuffIt icon. I should note here that I'm running my review copy of StuffIt Deluxe 2009 on a three-year-old Dell Inspiron with Windows XP Home Edition, and I've experienced no problems of any kind with StuffIt or Windows. I had a trial version of StuffIt prior to installing the review copy.
StuffIt Deluxe 2009's tasks may all be handled manually, but the program offers four "Wizards" to streamline its essential functions. Each Wizard quickly steps you through the necessary procedures, and allows you to set up a task and schedule it to run at a later time.
The Compression Wizard walks you through creating a compressed archive. The next three, however, are far more interesting. The "Compress and Email" Wizard creates an archive and then opens a message in your default e-mail client with the archive as an attachment, ready to send. The "Compress and FTP" Wizard creates an archive and then automatically FTPs the archive to a location you specify. This is a massively useful tool for uploading Web site files, especially if you update a number of files and need to upload them all at once. The "Compress and Burn" Wizard creates an archive and then automatically writes it to a CD or DVD. All of these Wizards prompt the user for options, which may be preset as profiles. StuffIt Deluxe 2009 supports Blu-Ray disc format, and includes its own embedded FTP and CD/DVD burning clients.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Wow... No offense,but, I was surprised to hear that StuffIt still exists.
With available solutions like WinRAR($21) and the free 7-Zip, why would I pay 50 bucks for software that does a little bit better compressing?! Seriously,its a legit question about the lack of information covered in your review.
"Droplets" and Blu Ray support don't really justify the cost. Honestly, Do you have a Blu Ray burner? And whose still using CDs to cart around data?? Never mind storing 50+ GBs of compressed info on a Blu Ray disc. With the advent of Flash/SSD memory, I don't see expensive & bulky programs like this sticking around.
2 - Vyrdolak
It certainly has its uses, especially for people who aren't tech-savvy, which is nearly everyone. *Lots* of people still burn CDs and DVDs, and flash drives have their limitations. StuffIt is aimed at people who aren't necessarily geeks or techies and are still using older systems because they can't afford to upgrade. They also aren't tech-savvy enough to understand apps written for techies. You might be surprised how many such people there are.
I use StuffIt chiefly for bundling publishing files (Amazon Kindle files have to be zipped) and extracting files from other platforms that people send me.
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Well... That's exactly where I was coming from. From the less experienced point of view. A non "Techie" wouldn't be concerned with burning anything to blu ray and even though Flash Drives have limitations (which are few & far between), most non "Techies" don't even come close to maxing out the storage sizes that are now available especially if its dedicated to data purposes. The geek would be enthralled with Blu Ray capabilities along with a new mini-app set of features(Droplets).
Fact of the matter is, if you are not a PC geek, then you're most certainly not going to pay for compression software, never mind 50 bucks for a core product which you could easily get for free(7-Zip). Honestly, it's not like these other solutions are unheard of...
4 - Dave
Even if you are a pc geek why are you going to pay for software that is available freely?