This\r\ngallery is also available as a TechRepublic article.
When you need to save disk space, backup data or send files\r\nback and forth to others quickly and efficiently, the best way is through file\r\ncompression. You can use the ZIP archive utility which is baked right into the\r\nWindows operating system to get the job done. However, the ZIP file format is\r\nfairly limited in compression capability and is lacking in extra options. If\r\nyou are looking for a power user style replacement that can support multiple\r\narchive types, there are some gems out there for handling archives in Windows\r\nwith great power and flexibility.
\r\n\r\nCredit: Images by Matthew\r\nNawrocki for TechRepublic
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\r\n\r\nCreated by Russian\r\nprogrammer Igor Pavlov, 7-Zip has set the gold standard for file archive\r\nutilities. Although the user interface is probably not the most intuitive for\r\nnovices, the settings are quite customizable and the ability to really take\r\nfull control over 7z output settings really helps you wring out every last bit\r\nof savings possible in your archives. The software is licensed under an LGPL\r\n2.1 license, making this suitable for home and commercial use.
\r\n\r\nCredit: Images by Matthew\r\nNawrocki for TechRepublic
Credit: Images by Matthew\r\nNawrocki for TechRepublic
\r\n\r\nUnlike the aforementioned\r\n7-Zip tool, ALZip aims to deliver a very easy user interface that is more\r\nstraightforward and WinZip-like in its arrangement, yet supporting more archive\r\nformats in the process. ALZip used to be a commercial product with a price tag,\r\nbut it was recently re-released as a free utility, simply by using the free\r\nproduct key provided on the download site.
\r\n\r\nCredit: Images by Matthew\r\nNawrocki for TechRepublic
Credit: Images by Matthew\r\nNawrocki for TechRepublic
\r\n\r\nThis utility supports over\r\na dozen different archive formats for opening and creating, just like the other\r\ntools I mentioned. An interesting stand out feature, however, is the password\r\nmanager, which allows you to keep track of passwords for archives without the\r\nneed to memorize them. PeaZip is licensed under the LGPLv3 and is available as\r\nfreeware.
\r\n\r\nCredit: Images by Matthew\r\nNawrocki for TechRepublic
Credit: Images by Matthew\r\nNawrocki for TechRepublic
\r\n\r\nThough this product isn’t freeware,\r\nhowever, the trial mode is quite generous and lets you test out all the\r\nfeatures of the utility. Also, I find the SFX (self-extracting archive) creator\r\nto be one of the better ones available, allowing you to go all out in\r\ncustomizing destination path, package icon, and a command run area for setup\r\nprograms. If you do decide to register your copy of WinRAR, it’s only $29.99,\r\nwith prices that go down as you purchase additional licenses.
\r\n\r\nCredit: Images by Matthew\r\nNawrocki for TechRepublic
Credit: Images by Matthew\r\nNawrocki for TechRepublic
\r\n\r\nThough not designed to\r\ncreate any archives, Universal Extractor extracts from many kinds of packages,\r\nincluding InstallShield archives and binary blobs as well as more exotic\r\nformats, using handy deep filescan technology. The tight integration with the\r\nWindows right-click context menu is superb and you are always just a few clicks\r\naway from dumping your files to a directory.
\r\n\r\nCredit: Images by Matthew\r\nNawrocki for TechRepublic
Disclaimer:\r\nCBS Interactive Inc. is not responsible for the content of the publisher’s\r\ndescriptions or user reviews on this site. We do not encourage or condone the\r\nuse of any software in violation of applicable laws. CBS Interactive Inc. does\r\nnot sell, resell, or license any of the products listed on the site. We cannot\r\nbe held liable for issues that arise from the download or use of these\r\nproducts.
\r\n\r\nCredit: Images by Matthew\r\nNawrocki for TechRepublic
An avid technology writer and an IT guru, Matthew is here to help bring the best in software, hardware and the web to the collective consciousness of TechRepublic's readership. In addition to writing for TechRepublic, Matthew currently works as a Customer Success Professional for Ultimate Software in Santa Ana, California.
