A file archive utility that compreses and decompresses multiple file formats
Alternative download from external server (availability not guaranteed):
A file archive utility that compreses and decompresses multiple file formats
WinZip download. Always available from trusted servers.
- Free & fast downloader (more info)
- Always available
- Tested virus-free
Alternative download from external server (availability not guaranteed):
Alternatives to WinZip
Popular programs in File Compression
What is WinZip
WinZip is arguably one of the most popular file compression utilities available for computers. A file compression utility is a program that aims to reduce the size of a large file by compressing it in an archive. File compression utilities can also store multiple files in a compressed archive. Archives are great for storing the compressed files, and keeping lots of essential files together in one download.
Solid and Intuitive
WinZip is often a first choice for users when they set out to find a file compression utility to download. It has been around for years, and it is one of the only utilities backed by an immense amount of support and resources. Competitors have managed to craft similar programs that provide the same capabilities, but WinZip is still a viable choice for a file compression program.
Many people turn to WinZip merely because of how simple it is to use. Users can choose between modes titled, "Wizard Mode" or "Classic Mode," and each come with their own features and options. Wizard Mode is generally recommended for users that are not familiar with file compression utilities and more than likely need a bit of help along the way when using the program. Classic Mode is great for those who are comfortable with using file compression programs and want access to all simple and advanced features immediately. Classic Feature allows users more immediate access to features such as password protection, editing compression ratios and settings, and the Favorites list.
Better Features
Even though WinZip is still one of the top competitors in its field, there are some competitors that still do a very good job of staying near them in the race for supremacy. Examples of these types of competitors include 7Zip and WinRAR. There are some things that competitors even do better than WinZip. For example, WinRAR can achieve higher compression ratios than WinZip.
This is little to worry about, however, when you consider the fact that the game has been upped in many other areas by WinZip as of late. Two areas that WinZip have spent a great deal of time on improving are its Privacy Protection and its Cloud File Sharing feature. WinZip now supports a wide range of programs and other services including CloudMe, SkyDrive, Google Drive, SugarSync and Dropbox. User have also found that they enjoy using add-ons and plugins to help get the most out of their WinZip experiences.
WinZip Remains to Be the Best
Even though WinZip has sustained some tough competition as of late, it still remains supreme as one of the best archivers and file compression utilities on the web. Supported file formats include ARC, ZIP, RAR, TAR, TAZ, TGZ, TZ, ARJ, Z, XXE, UUE, UU, HQX and more.
Pros and Cons
The pros of WinZip are:
- It is incredibly easy to use depending on the mode you choose.
- Files compress and decompress quickly.
- New features add more usability.
The cons of WinZip include:
- Zip compression is all that is supported.
- Competitors support more formats.
- Pop-up nags every time the program is opened.