File compression and decompression

Compressing files is a good way to save disk space and store our files and folders in a more organized way. Most archive formats are used throughout the internet and it archive managers have becomes an essential tools in our system. If you don´t know what compression software – also called archive manger- you should get, we´ll provide a small review covering each of these programs pros and cons, as well as their own features. Here we’re going to take a look at five of the most widely recognised compression applications on the market: 7-Zip, PowerArchiver, WinZip, WinRAR and WinAce .

WinZip

Could WinZip be the most famous of all file compression programs? We’re not sure, but we can confirm that it’s one of the best tools around for managing compressed archives, particularly in the ZIP format.
As soon as it starts, WinZip lets you choose between its “Classic” and “Wizard” modes. The second option further simplifies the process, organizing the main compression operations into a sequence of guided steps.
It’s worth mentioning the large variety of options for treating compressed archives, such as the possibility to open executable archives without the need to first decompress them somewhere else. Another noteworthy function is the ability to generate auto-executable archives, and the automated “zipping” of preset Windows folders, such as My Documents or the Desktop.
On the downside, WinZip supports relatively few compression formats, although it does allow you to decompress some very well-known ones, such as Rar.

7-Zip

If you’re one of those users who always likes to have the very latest tools, 7-Zip is your new compression program. Don’t be fooled by the simple interface and small filesize; 7-Zip is a powerful tool with extraordinary capabilities. The new 7z format that it uses can reach compression rates that are up to 50% higher than the ZIP standard.
Plus, 7-Zip can compress and decompress a wide range of formats, including: ZIP, CAB, RAR, ARJ, LZH, CHM, GZIP, BZIP2, Z, TAR, CPIO, TAR, RPM and DEB archives. It also runs on both the Windows and Linux platforms. What’s more, 7-Zip allows you to customize the compressed file associations, letting you choose which program to use to handle each particular file extension, and also allows you to create executable archives for decompression. For those people whose mother tongue isn’t English, you’ll also be happy to hear that the latest version of 7-Zip has been translated into more than 50 languages.
One thing that is perhaps lacking in 7-Zip is a stronger visual interface, permitting the user to make the most of all of this program’s potential right from the start. Also missing is a wizard mode.

PowerArchiver

PowerArchiver is an original file compressor that features multiple functions, well complemented by a good compressed archive manager.
Although at first glance the interface may appear to be strongly influenced by that of WinZip, a closer look at the menus reveals that, in addition to the traditional compression and decompression operations, this program allows you to view JPG, GIF, ICO, WMF, EMF, BMP, RTF and TXT files, as well as check for the presence of any viruses within your archives. Another interesting feature is the creation of autoexecutable archives.
As far as compression is concerned, the Wizard mode is very handy, as is the ability to send your archives via email from within PowerArchiver itself or to insert comments inside them. The “Burner” menu is also well worth a look. It is dedicated to the recording of CDs and DVDs and managing ISO files.
The only possible downside to PowerArchiver is that it is only available in English, meaning that it cannot easily be recommended to non-English speakers.

WinRAR

If there’s one program capable of putting the omnipresent WinZip in the shade, it’s WinRAR, one of the most well-known and popular tools for managing compressed files.
Each new version of WinRAR tends to come with at least one innovative new feature or include some recently pioneered in other programs. Among those features imported from the competition is its support for dual core processors, dramatically speeding up compression and decompression calculations.
WinRAR allows you to create multi-volume files (optionally autoexecutable) and has full support for RAR and ZIP archives, as well as partial support for the CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZ, TAR.GZ, BZ2, TAR.BZ2, ACE, UUE, JAR, ISO, 7Z and Z formats. Plus, as well as being constantly updated, WinRAR has a consistently attractive interface and a handy “Wizard” mode.
WinRAR isn’t a program that has any really serious flaws, although it would be nice to have full support for other compression formats, not just for RAR and ZIP.

WinAce

WinAce is a powerful tool for managing compressed files. It allows you to create, view and extract from all of the most popular compression formats. What’s more, according to many users WinAce has one of the best compression rates around.
Without a doubt the main strength of WinAce is that, as well as offering all the features also provided by WinZip and WinRAR, this program adds new functionality which has never been seen before in compression applications.
WinAce ’s weakness has to be the narrow range of formats it has for creating compressed archives.

To sum up, choosing a single compression and decompression program can be a pretty tall order. Perhaps one solution would be to work with two different ones alongside each other. In case we are dealing with a single file compression operation, the best is either WinRAR or WinZip.
For example, you could combine one program that you use to manage the most well-known formats with another used to create your own compressed archives, allowing you to pick one with a high compression rate, such as 7-Zip or WinAce .

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1. Compression made easier with 7zip