7-Zip 9.20

An intuitive application with a very good compression ratio that can help you not only create and extract archives, but also test them for errors

There was a time when computer applications were few and a specific tool was used for each task one wanted to perform, such as image viewing, archiving files or converting videos. Nowadays however, the market has a lot more alternatives for each area, and when it comes to archivers, 7-Zip is definitely an app worth taking into consideration.

Intuitive with support for most archive formats

Installing it is a simple procedure and it all takes only a few seconds since you have to deal with such a light package. The interface is the same as the ones we’ve seen in other compression tools, but 7-Zip also includes a powerful file manager, so browsing the files stored in archives is really simple.

The tool supports most archive formats out there, including RAR, ZIP, TAR, GZ, LZH, LZA, ARJ and ISO, but it also comes with its very own extension, namely 7z.

Enhanced usability with context menu entries

You will be amazed by how fast 7-Zip compresses and decompresses files and the fact that it automatically places a bunch of options in the Windows context menu makes the whole thing a lot easier, while also saving a lot of time when it comes to managing archives. Those who do not like to have a cluttered Windows context menu can easily remove the 7-zip related items whenever they please.

Helps you save precious disk space

As expected, compression is a smooth operation and in case you really want to save some space on your hard drives, 7-Zip might come in very handy. Just right click the files you want to compress, select the function you need and you’re ready to go.

Check archived files for integrity

A feature not typically encountered in file compressors is the checksum calculator, meant to help you verify the integrity of any downloaded package. The Benchmark function also comes in handy when you want to test the performance of your computer.

In conclusion

All in all, 7-Zip is the compression tool that you need to install if you are not willing to pay for a license for one the other similar apps on the market. It is freeware and works with so many formats that it you are bound to be satisfied with it.

Program Information

 Developer: Igor Pavlov

Price and Added Date

LGPL .13-10-2015

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WinRAR 5.21

A very powerful archiver and archive manager for home or office use that helps you compress, package, encrypt and backup files with just one utility

WinRAR is an advanced data compression utility that supports a wide array of format including RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, ACE, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z and 7-Zip. It enables you to create, organize and manage archives in a comfortable and quick manner.

Rich feature lineup

The complex compression algorithm it uses creates small archives, saving disk space and enabling faster file sharing. Audio and graphics files benefit from a special archiving algorithm, one that doesn’t make a compromise on quality. It includes Windows Explorer shortcuts for easy access and supports drag and drop as well.

WinRAR also provides possibilities to split archives into several volumes; this way, a large archive is divided into other smaller ones, which makes the perfect way to share huge files.

Advanced security and ease of use

In case you wish to secure your files, you can always protect your data with a password, while the 'Repair' function comes in handy whenever you try to fix a broken archive.

Besides the fact that it does a great job when it comes to compressing files, WinRAR also integrates dedicated features that allow you to manipulate archives with a single click. You can backup the files you're about to compress, you can test the archived files and you can even perform virus scans before decompressing, without putting the data stored on your computer at risk.

Fast and effective compression

During our tests, the compression and decompression process worked amazingly fast, and that should happen in your case too, at least if your computer is able to handle the task.

The only problems you could experience are strictly related to hardware resources, as working with 3 or 4 archives at the same time could be a bit overwhelming for slower computers.

An overall great package

All in all, WinRAR remains the industry-standard in the compression category. It allows you to handle the most popular compression formats using a single interface and at very high speeds provided by the complex engine hidden under the hood.

WinRAR undoubtedly comes with one of the most advanced feature sets currently on the market and even though it's not offered for free, it remains one of the leading compression tools that you can install on Windows these days.

Program Information

 Developer: win.rar GmbH

Price and Added Date

AD-SUPPORTED .13-10-2015

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Zipware1.2.0.0

Create, convert and extract a wide range of archives by using this intuitive, yet comprehensive software solution that also support encryption

When it comes to sharing documents over the Internet, it is best to compress them in an archive to save bandwidth and transfer time.

Zipware is one of the many compression solutions you can turn to if still have not found the one that rises to your expectations.

Straightforward and familiar GUI

The graphic interface of Zipware is not only neatly organized but also user-friendly, thus making it possible for experts and novices alike to benefit from its functions.

You can access the contents of existing archives by browsing to their location. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the files of interest over the main window of the app and open them.

When it comes to creating a new archive, you can specify the target location, format, and compression mode, as well as the splitting parameters.

If you use its functions via the context menus of files, you can also calculate checksums with a single mouse click.

Update archives or encrypt them

In addition to the previously mentioned features, Zipware also allows you to tamper with the contents of some of your archives and add or remove files stored within.

You only need to explore the folders on your PC, select the files you need, and then drag them onto the panel corresponding to the archive. Depending on its size, compressing it might take some time to complete.

Moreover, you can password-protect not only the archive but also the filenames if you want to prevent unauthorized access. The default encryption algorithm is AES-256.

Scan archives on VirusTotal

A handy feature of Zipware is that you can upload your archives to VirusTotal and scan them against multiple antivirus engines, to make sure no threat is detected.

On the other hand, you can also use this app as a password organizer since you can create an encrypted file where you can store usernames, passwords, and notes.

All in all, Zipware is a reliable solution when you need to extract the contents of various types of archives, like ZIP, 7z, RAR, ISO, TAR and many others. It can also create or encrypt archives, as well as scan their contents on VirusTotal.

Program Information

 Developer: Bazwise

Price and Added Date

FREEWARE.13-10-2015

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PeaZip 5.8.0

Compress files and folders in order to save precious disk space and take advantage of a lot more integrated tools with the help of this powerful application

For enhanced security measures, most applications and files are distributed in archives to prevent malicious software infiltrations. There is an abundance of utilities that can be used for this task, PeaZip being one of them. It manages to come equipped with a set of tools that offer a lot more than just the possibility to compress files.

Pleasant and intuitive interface

Running the application brings up a modernly designed interface that includes nearly all archiving tools you find in most common dedicated such utilities. The upper toolbar is fitted with intuitive buttons that let you add, extract, convert, test and several other options.

The workspace resembles a file explorer, which cleverly lets you browse through your computer exactly the way you would with the default operating system explorer. Additionally, the application integrates its major features in the context menu for enhanced ease of access.

Configure amount of system resources to use

In terms of functionality, the application brings nothing new to the market. It is able to associate its features with nearly all available archive formats. Compression and extraction speed are moderate, with a slight tendency to eat up a considerable amount of resources. However, you can set priority from the progress window that pops up once the process is put in motion.

A large variety of other integrated tools

Besides basic compression tools, the application features a few specialties. Given the file explorer-like interface workspace, you can change the upper toolbar to a file manager to gain access to dedicated options that let you cut, copy, paste, create new folders, rename or even find duplicate files in the current path. There are more options available, including the possibility to have files open with external applications.

Edit and convert image files

Furthermore, there is also an integrated image viewer, with support for basic editing. It lets you crop selected photos, rotate or fit to a custom resolution, as well as save under a different format like BMP, PNG or JPG.

Create automated scheduled tasks

Amongst other features, you manage to find a Task Scheduler that lets you set up computer specific operations, like running a certain application, by setting advanced parameters. You can make it recurrent, while taking advantage of a guided creation process or dive into an abundance of advanced settings.

To sum it up

All things considered, PeaZip lives up to expectations even though not the most powerful utility of its kind. It lets you take advantage of a handful of features, from simple archiving options to file management and security related settings. It's definitely worth a try if you're looking for an alternative to the existing industry giants.

Program Information

 Developer: Giorgio Tani

Price and Added Date

LGPL .13-10-2015

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