With respect to computers, what is the purpose of compressing a data file?

ATo encrypt the data

BTo occupy less storage space ✓ Correct

CTo increase transmission time over a network

DTo allow the file to be read by a variety of applications

Correct answer: (B) To occupy less storage space

Explanation

Compressing a data file reduces its size so it occupies less storage space.

Encrypting data scrambles it for security and is a different process from compression.

Compression shortens transmission time over a network rather than increasing it.

Compression does not by itself make a file readable by more applications.

Smaller compressed files also upload and download faster.

ZIP is a common lossless file-compression format.

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