Most internet users have likely had to unzip files that they have downloaded either from a website or in an email attachment. Also many of us zip files prior to sending them via email to save transmission time and space.
Although Windows XP and Vista both have built in file compression utilities, most people still prefer to use Winzip. Wizip is easy to use and compresses files very well, but it’s not a free product.
How about trying an open source free product named 7-Zip.
7-Zip is a very small download (at time of writing 840k version 4.57) and like its more widely known counterpart Winzip, just as easy to use.
- Runs on Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista
- Packing / unpacking: 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2 and TAR
- Unpacking only: RAR, CAB, ISO, ARJ, LZH, CHM, MSI, WIM, Z, CPIO, RPM, DEB and NSIS
The 7-Zip website states that, “You can use 7-Zip on any computer, including a computer in a commercial organization. You don’t need to register or pay for 7-Zip”.
Not only is 7-Zip small in file size and easy to use, but you can also use the newer 7z file compression format. The 7-Zip site states, “Compression ratio results are very dependent upon the data used for the tests. Usually, 7-Zip compresses to 7z format 30-70% better than to zip format. And 7-Zip compresses to zip format 2-10% better than most of other zip compatible programs.”
Why not download 7-Zip and try using it for on zip files and also to compress files in 7z format.
Wednesday I was searching for Blogs related to email topics but more specifically to open source email marketing software. I found your blog and find it intersting.