Glossary

What is Data Compression?

Data compression is a vital part of improving speed on the internet. In general, the smaller the file, the faster it can be transmitted. Data compression encodes information by reducing redundancy and using fewer bits than the original file. This allows it to be transmitted more efficiently. There are two types of data compression. Lossy compression means that images, video, and audio files are delivered in a smaller or less detailed format than the original. Lossless compression is more often used today, delivering files indecipherable from the original as it was sent.

  1. GoGuardian Beacon serves as one data point of a school's overall suicide prevention program.