
The interface adapts to suit mouse and keyboard setups or touchscreen devices, and there are backup and security options thrown in to protect your files. Other bonus features include the splitting of large zip files to fit different media, advanced file sharing options, cloud support and an advanced zip management system that rivals Windows Explorer. In addition to support for a wide range of archive formats (including ZIP, ZIPX, RAR (extraction only), 7z, TAR, GZIP, VHD and XZ), WinZip offers integration with a number of programs including Office for easy zipping as you work. Ultimately it depends on your priorities, but you do get a lot of extras for your money. However, you may wonder if you can justify spending money on a compression tool when there are so many free alternatives available. Depending on the level at which the encryption is applied, you may have to enter the decryption password to show the folder and file names of the archived elements.One of the most famous names in the world of software utilities, WinZip is still going strong after nearly 30 years, and is still one of the best file compression tools around.

If required, 7-Zip encryption can be used for individual files or entire directory structures. It can also extract program archives like Microsoft Cabinet, Windows Installer files and application files. The zipping program can also unzip archives with the endings. 7-Zip also allows users to zip and unzip files in the following file formats:ħ-Zip uses a powerful proprietary encryption algorithm to compress files, sacrificing compression speed for compression quality. It is purely a container format with a modular and open structure.

The WinRAR alternative creates zip archives in the proprietary 7-Zip format, indicated by the file ending. In 2007, the program won SourceForge’s award as best open source project. 7-Zip is freeware for zipping and unzipping files and has been around since 1999.
