Review: StuffIt Deluxe 2010

As an artist and graphic designer, I’ve been using file compression software for 10-15 years now. I compress images, data, etc. for my customers and for my own use. Years ago, I started out using WinZip and then migrated to the opensource software, 7-zip.  After some periodic compression corruption issues with 7-zip, I decided to give StuffIt Deluxe a try.  Initially, I was skeptical about paying good money for StuffIt Deluxe by Smith Micro when I could use 7-zip for free, but I needed something more reliable. StuffIt Deluxe 2010 (Windows) Review Summary: StuffIt Deluxe 2010 Smith Micro Software $49.99 USD (29 Jan 201o) StuffIt Deluxe 2010 for Windows (or MAC) is file compression software available from Smith-Micro (the OEM) or from retailers across the world. Got a big file?  Wish it were smaller?  File compression software crunches down the file size so that it takes up less disk space on your computer…and makes it more manageable to email, FTP or otherwise transfer to someone else. StuffIt Deluxe does all this and more.  StuffIt can create zip files or files in one of 25 other compression formats.  StuffIt Deluxe also includes a membership to StuffIt Connect’s secure website where you can share up to 2 GB of files via invitations.  The version I had included a one-year subscription to StuffIt connect (after the expiration, you have to pay to continue using the StuffIt Connect service). List of Features (from the manufacturer): File Compression and Expansion • New, Optimized WAV and MP3 compressors • Photoshop & Micosoft Office plug-ins • Compress JPEG photos up to 30% • Browse archives without expanding • Preview thumbnails of archived images • Duplicate Folding = smaller archives • Expand segmented Zip and 7Zip archives • Patented 24-bit image compression • Optimized PDF, TIFF, PNG, GIF and BMP compressors • Create Zip, StuffIt and TAR archives • Expand files with a single keystroke • Add, delete, and change files in archives • Convert to and from Zip and Sitx archives • Save searches with StuffIt Collections • Search archives by name, date and more • Expand encrypted Zip archives • Expand over 25 compression formats Send Files • New StuffIt® Connect stores up to 2GB of files and creates invitations to share them • New StuffIt® SmartSend automatically chooses the best way to deliver your files • Built in FTP and email file transfers • Support for any MAPI email client File Backup • Schedule backups from contextual menu • Uses file metadata to backup files • Backup directly to FTP • Burn CD, DVD and Blu-ray Disc™ • Schedule backup at shutdown File Protection...