Streamline file management and space with efficient compression and added security features
Streamline file management and space with efficient compression and added security features
Pros
- Works with numerous archive formats
- Unpacks archives quickly
- May be more efficient than traditional OS-based tools
Cons
- Deflating files takes a while
- May not be necessary for users who only want to work with Zip files
WinZip is a file compression utility that's based around the famous Zip archive format. Any compressed folder made with WinZip can be disassembled by Windows' default archiving utility as well as all of the other programs designed to work with this format. It's extremely portable, which has helped to make WinZip a popular tool for those who want to store numerous documents or share files with their fellow computer users.
In fact, you could zip files up and sideload them to your phone or countless other devices because the file format is so flexible. That being said, you'd be able to do the same with the default tools that come with Windows. This might make WinZip look completely superfluous to some users who aren't as familiar with its advanced features.
If space is a premium, however, then WinZip can really shine by compressing files down much further than you'd otherwise be able to get them. Zipped up archives created with WinZip can be as much as 25 percent smaller than those compressed with Windows' native tools. Admittedly, you'll need to adjust some configuration options to get this point but it shouldn't be too difficult.
Users can select how tightly they want their files packed by simply moving a slider back and forth. Stronger compression levels are of course slower, but they can really shave bytes off big groups of files. Gamers in particular might appreciate this feature.
Binary executable files, which include ROMs for most 8 and 16-bit emulators, are going to compress down to a much smaller file size than most other types of files. Text documents and RTF objects will also shrink down quite a bit, which makes it easy to store huge groups of them in a single archive you can move to a backup drive.
Developers are going to fall in love with WinZip too. If you're writing your own games or managing a database utility, then you'll be able to work with EAR and WAR files. These are simply zip documents with a different extension. WinZip gives you the option of configuring which extension you'd prefer your output files to have, which should make it easy to produce the right kind of Java archives for the job. Those who want to protect their files can even set a password on them, which enables them to prevent unauthorized extraction.
Netizens who often themselves downloading unusual archives from the web will appreciate just how flexible WinZip can be. You're of course free to pack both the original ZIP archive format and as many ZIPX files as you want. If you're working online with other people who use WinZip, then you'll find ZIPX archives transmit more quickly over social media than original ZIP ones did.
On top of that, you'll be able to unpack BZ2, LHZ and LHA archives when you find them. If you've been downloading a number of things from the Internet, then you're likely to come across RAR and 7-zip archives as well. These formats are ubiquitous on the web, but they're notoriously hard for Windows users to extract. WinZip makes short work of them and even lets you zip them back up again in a more portable format.
Those who rely on context menus or prefer to hit Shift+F10 while they're typing can have WinZip integrate with these features, which will enable them to easily compress and unpack files as much as they prefer. It can even work with BinHex and uuencode files regardless of where you have these stored. While you don't see these formats too often, that's very important for academics and those working with research software.
It's also vital for gamers who are into running retro games in virtual machines. When you factor in that WinZip can write archives directly to CDs and DVDs, you might easily come to the conclusion that it's a well-rounded product that's certainly come around from its very humble beginnings. While the app might be showing its age a bit, it's never been more useful than it is today.
Pros
- Works with numerous archive formats
- Unpacks archives quickly
- May be more efficient than traditional OS-based tools
Cons
- Deflating files takes a while
- May not be necessary for users who only want to work with Zip files
Pros
- Fast, simple and stable compression and decompression functionality
- Protects data through a variety of security methods
- Easy sharing through multiple platforms
- Manages files and folders with ease
Cons
- Compressing large media files is time-consuming
- Doesn’t compress files into other formats outside of ZIP
WinZip simplifies compressing and decompressing files in a stable, user-friendly and lightweight application designed for 32 and 64-bit systems.
Considered the cornerstone of zipping and unzipping files, WinZip has etched its way into the lives of casual users and professional organizations. With only a few clicks of your mouse, you have the power to protect, manage and share your files without having to learn complex technical jargon.
Since its first version was released in 1991, WinZip has become the industry standard for zipping, encypting, sharing and managing digital files. Throughout the past few decades, its abilities have adapted to the growing digital landscape, but its commitment to stable, user-friendly and secure file management remains unchanged.
The Art of File Management - WinZip Features
The latest version of WinZip builds upon its existing features to create a more thorough, user-friendly experience. To streamline the zipping or unzipping process, you can now prompt the program to execute your desired operation from a variety of locations. This means you don’t have to actually open WinZip to access its functionality.
Along with streamlined operation, WinZip fine-tuned its program architecture for faster start-up performance. If you’ve ever accidentally opened multiple WinZip windows because of slow start-up time, this new feature is a welcomed change. Swift start-up time isn’t the only performance-enhancing feature. Utilizing advanced programming language, WinZip executes its actions faster than ever before.
The speed and lightweight functionality of WinZip is only part of its story. The latest release can now handle almost every type of file. This includes both popular and rare file types. Its flexibility in file management makes it ideal for both personal and professional network use.
WinZip is far more than a zipping program. Due to its advanced features, it’s become one of the most popular ways to share sensitive files throughout small and large organizations. Sharing files is easy, quick and user-friendly. Whether you’re sharing files through email, the cloud or messaging programs, WinZip allows you the freedom to safely and securely share sensitive information.
When you think about WinZip, you probably don’t consider it a file management system. However, with powerful management features, such as image format compression and robust management protocols, managing your files and folders is a breeze. Whether you’re converting files to PDF formats or managing your address book, WinZip can do far more than you imagine.
While zipping files is an excellent way to share massive amounts of data, WinZip also serves as a powerful security measure. When compressing files, personal data is automatically removed from the file. If you’re sharing sensitive information, the built-in encryption tool safeguards data in a single click. Additional security features include password protection, file conversion safeguards and watermark creation.
Pros
- Fast, simple and stable compression and decompression functionality
- Protects data through a variety of security methods
- Easy sharing through multiple platforms
- Manages files and folders with ease
Cons
- Compressing large media files is time-consuming
- Doesn’t compress files into other formats outside of ZIP
Pros
- Supports many of the more common file formats
- Saves space on your hard drive
- Works with many cloud storage options
- Features two modes for beginners and expert users
- Can extract files from zipped files and folders
Cons
- Is not compatible with all file types and formats
- Limits compressed files into one format
- Includes a pop-up ad each time you open it
- Ads remain in place indefinitely on free versions
- May not work well for all users
Zipping and compressing larger batches of files once took a lot of time and required the use of paid software, but WinZip now lets you compress files easily for free.
Compressing files saves on the amount of storage space available on your computer. When you have dozens of old college papers that you want to save for future reference or you have old work projects saved on your hard drive, you can use WinZip to compress those files together. While you'll still have total access to those files, you'll save up some space on your hard drive.
WinZip features two different modes. Wizard Mode is best for those who never compressed files before and those who need some extra help. It walks you through each step and makes it easy to select the files you want to use and compress those files into a smaller package. Classic Mode offers more customized features and is better for those with more experience. You can change the settings of those files in Classic Mode or add a list of your favorite files. Classic Mode even lets you add a password to compressed files to limit the access others have to those files.
Though there are other similar paid and free programs available, WinZip sets itself apart in a few ways. It offers more privacy protection than you'll find in those other programs. In addition to privacy protection, you can also add security features that limit who can access any of those zipped files. Another new feature allows you to share and use files via cloud storage. Some of the cloud storage programs that will work with WinZip include Google Drive, Dropbox and CloudMe. Save even more storage space after transferring zipped files into the cloud.
WinZip is free to use but also has a paid version available. After you download and use the free version, it will show you ads that encourage you to buy the full version. Those ads will remain in place for several seconds or more and block you from using the app. This can get annoying after a few times, but the ads will never go away unless you upgrade. If you need to compress files and want access to cloud storage, though, WinZip is your best choice.
Pros
- Supports many of the more common file formats
- Saves space on your hard drive
- Works with many cloud storage options
- Features two modes for beginners and expert users
- Can extract files from zipped files and folders
Cons
- Is not compatible with all file types and formats
- Limits compressed files into one format
- Includes a pop-up ad each time you open it
- Ads remain in place indefinitely on free versions
- May not work well for all users
