The NTFS file system supports transparent data compression which combines the advantages of file compression without changing the visibility of the data on the computer system (data is not stored in an archive but in its original file structure on the hard drive). The option to compress files is hidden in the file and folder properties and rarely recognized or used these days although it can be helpful in saving disk space without losing direct access to the files.
The way Microsoft has implemented file compression in the operating system makes it difficulty to manage. That’s where the free software NTFS Ratio steps in.
NTFS Ratio can be used to analyse a folder structure on a hard drive that has been formatted with the NTFS file system. The program displays all files and folders in that structure as well as their compression status and ratio. The application will also display total stats for all files and folder in the file structure.
The list can be printed or copied to the clipboard. The reporting feature can be interesting for users who want to analyse the file compression on their computer system, especially its effectiveness. A right-click on a folder or file provides a Windows Explorer like context menu with options to compress and decompress folders.
The results of these actions are directly displayed in the program’s interface. NTFS Ratio is a niche software for users who use NTFS file compression. The program is compatible with most Windows operating systems including Windows 7. It can be downloaded from the developer’s website (German but should not pose a problem for non-German speakers).
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“[...] developer’s website (German but should not pose a problem for non-German speakers).”
Nope, no problem, as the developer provides a possibility to switch to English at the top right of the website ;-)