Windows Talk: Best Free Zip Utility
Note from PC Pitstop: We recently asked our TechTalk contributors to recommend a favorite FREE application or tool that they currently use. This post is the response from Windows Talk.
Best Free Zip Utility
By Windows Talk
I have used a lot of ‘zip’ or file compression programs over the years, but the one I use these days is the free, open source 7-Zip program. True, Windows has its own built-in compression program, but sometimes you may want a little more control over your options, such as the amount of compression, as well as some other refinements.
Here’s a look at the ‘Add to Archive’ dialog box, which you can see when you right-click a file or folder and click 7Zip…from the menu:
Here you can control the amount of compression, split the compressed file to fit over multiple media and even choose to encrypt the compressed file with a password. You cannot do any of this with Windows’ Compressed Folders!
What other types of files can 7-Zip handle
This excerpt is shared with permission from Windows Talk.
About Windows Talk
WindowsTalk’s mission is to provide access to the best Windows® and PC resources available, to be informative in understanding new technologies and be helpful in resolving PC-related problems while at the same time helping you to actually enjoy the Windows experience! Windows Talk is owned and operated by James M. Fisher, a Microsoft MVP awardee since October 2003 in the “Windows Expert-Consumer” category.
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Terry Stockdale
This is coming from a fan of WinZip for many years. 7-Zip by far is the best zip program that I know of, not saying it's the best because I'm sure there is something more superior than 7-Zip. But for what I need it for it is excellent in all categories, makes me a tad bit shame that I was paying for the same thing 7-Zip does for absolutely free.
I beg to differ. I’ve used many compression programs, including 7-Zip, and much prefer ZipGenius, which is also free. ZipGenius handles 27 different types of compression types with ease. I also find it more intuitive to use than any other compression program. Take a look at it and you’ll see what I mean.
My Norton Security stopped me from downloading 7Zip alerting me to the possibility that it could be hazardous to my system. What gives?