Zip software or File-compression utilities are very useful for saving space, downloading or uploading files faster, and protecting certain files to an extent. Fortunately, there are free ZIP software that can serve you very well.
For people who don’t have time to start trying and troubleshooting different zip software, here are the best free zip software you can lay your hands on. They serve the same purposes but have specialized abilities.
1. 7-Zip
7-Zip is really impressive. The software is very useful for developers or others who may have to always shift documents among Windows, Linux and Unix operating systems. It can unpack several archive formats including 7z, ZIP, CAB, RAR, ARJ, GZIP, BZIP, TAR, CPIO, RPM, and DEB. Also, 7-Zip can create TAR and GZ formats which are more commonly used on Unix and Linux systems.
The software comes with advanced options like the ability to create solid and self-extracting archives, adjust compression levels and protect password. In fact, it can handle almost all your archiving needs. It can even unzip a multi-part RAR embedded in a ZIP archive.
Download 7-Zip from C-Net
2. IZArc
Sometimes, you receive very strange file compression formats during the course of business, and you just wonder how on earth you could open them. IZArc is very useful in this wise; it can handle several formats of compressed files. It can unpack close to 50 different archive types including ISO, BIN and IMG.
Moreover, the software has the ability to convert and save up to 12 different file archiving formats. It can handle multipart ZIP files. Also, if you have to send large files to colleagues or customers, and you are not sure they would have the required archiving tool; iZArc can be used to create a self-extracting archive for them.
Download IZArc
3. PeaZip
PeaZip runs as a standalone program on your computer and is bundled with OpenCandy, though the plain installer is also available. It is open source and very user-friendly.
PeaZip is very versatile and can extract several file types including ACE, ARJ, CAB, DMG, ISO, LHA, RAR and UDF. The Windows version of PeaZip currently provides three installer types.
Download PeaZip
4. WinZip
WinZip is not entirely free, but you can get the free trial version. WinZip has several features and works very smooth. Moreover, the new WinZip version 16 comes with even greater features. It can compress images by up to 25% and “Zip from Camera”.
Also, the software comes with ZipSend, a feature that allows you to send up to 500MB of zipped data for free. WinZip 16 also comes with ZipShare for conveniently uploading ZIP files to the cloud. You can even post a link to your Facebook Timeline for others to download. Unfortunately, you would have to upgrade to a paid status to continue to enjoy WinZip.
All in all, the different ZIP software have their highs and lows. You just have to look inwards – into your personal requirements- to decide which is best for you.