Compression Tools

TUGZip is an advanced archiving utility with an easy-to-use interface and support for a wide range of file formats. It lets you create 7-ZIP, BZ2, CAB, LHA (LZH), SQX, TAR, TGZ, YZ1 and ZIP archives and supports opening of ZIP, 7-ZIP, A, ACE, ARJ, BZ2, CAB, CPIO, DEB, GCA, GZ, IMP, LHA (LZH), LIB, RAR, RPM, SQX, TAR, TGZ, TBZ, TAZ, ZOO, ARC and YZ1 archives. Also included comes an SFX-tool to create self-extracting archives and an additional scripting tool to simplify automated backups. Additional features include support for Zip64 algorithm, built-in encryption using multiple algorithms (Blowfish, DES, Triple DES and Rijndael).

UnPacker is a mass extraction program that can unzip/unrar all (or selected) archives in a given folder. It can optionally remove archives after extraction, rename directories and more.

7Zip is an open-source file archiver, that offers a the highest compression ratio, using the new f 7z format, which delivers compression results that are usually 30-50% better than standard ZIP. We tested it with a server log file, which compressed with ZIP had a file size of 18 mb and using 7-Zip was reduced to 8 mb (results may vary, depending on file type). In addition, 7Zip also supports 7z, ZIP, CAB, RAR, ARJ, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, CPIO, RPM and DEB formats, so it can be used with all popular archive files as well. The program offers a basic file explorer interface and also integrates into the Windows right-click menu. It can be associated with any of the supported formats and also offers commandline support. Interface and additional features are fairly basic, but the compression ratio is outstanding.

ZipGenius is a powerful zip tool that offers support for more than 20 different compression formats, including 7zip, ZIP64, UPX and many others. It supports drag and drop, 5 compression levels, full customization and integration in Windows Explorer. The program also comes with a built in FTP client that allows to download and upload files from within the software. The signature features allows you to add your signature and contact information to any zip file you create. ZipGenius also supports the creation of self-extracting exe files, complete with custom setup launch and icon. ZipGenius also comes with additional features like encryption, scanner support (acquire pictures and zip them into files), backup, statistics, download time calculator, disk spanning, file export, support for OpenOffice and more. It can also interact with your Pocket PC device. Very nice!

QuickLZ is a high speed data compressor that uses a proprietary compression format, which is completely I/O bound and compresses files much faster than other algorithms. The compression ratio is worse, resulting in larger archive files, but if speed is more important to you than storage size, you should give it a try.

IZArc is a full featured archiving tool that you can use to open and create compressed files in many different formats. It offers many advanced features, including repairing of broken archives, searching within archives, password protecting, emailing of archives and much more. The program provides an Explorer style interface with integrated file browser, favorites, customizable toolbar and color coded file listings. IZArc can also be used to create self-extracting or disk-spanning archives and more. Additional features include Windows Explorer integration, anti-virus integration and just about anything else you d would expect to find in a professional archive utility - but this one is free. IZArc support most popular archive formats, including 7-ZIP, ACE,ARC, ARJ,BH, BZ2, CAB, DEB, GZ,HA, JAR, LHA, LZH,PAK, PK3, RAR, RPM, TAR,TGZ, TZ, ZIP and ZOO. The program is easy to use, even for beginners, yet powerful enough to provide advanced users with all the tools you need.

QuickZip is a un/compression utility that supports a wide range of file formats including .zip, .cab, .ace, .rar, .7z and many others. It offers an integrated multimedia viewer in addition to the traditional file list. Other features include Encryption, SFX creation, Batch zipping, Zip repair, Bookmarks and more. You can also use QuickZip to convert archives from one format to another, or to rename large numbers of files.

ExtractNow is a tool that lets you extract multiple compressed files with ease. It supports ZIP, RAR, ACE, SIT and other compressed files and offers shell integration as well as an easy to use, compact interface. You can simply drag and drop files onto the interface or browse for them in your folders. ExtractNow also offers a search function that lets you find supported files quickly. When extracting files, you can choose to select a folder or automatically extract them to a newly created folder with the same name.

CAM UnZip is a simple ZIP file utility that opens, creates and modifies ZIP files quickly and easily. You can open ZIP files, list and view the files in the archive and choose to extract all or selected ones. You can also add files or create new zip files from scratch. Basic features, easy to use.

UnzipThemAll allows you to extract multiple archive files at once. Just select the folder that contains the files, and click a button. The program can extract the archives either to a folder with the same name, incrementing folder names, a specified folder or the current folder. UnzipThemAll supports ZIp, RAR and ACE formats. Additional features include support for password protected files, favorite folders, deletion of archives after unzipping and more.

SFX Compiler allows you to combine multiple files into a self-extracting EXE archive, and automatically launch a program and/or document after the user has extracted the content. You can define a custom dialog with custom text, and default directory. The program can be used to create a simple installer, or to distribute archives of files.

ICEOWS (formerly ArjFolder) is a de/compression tool that integrates into Windows Explorer and opens zip files as if they were regular folders. All you have to do is click on a zipped file and it will be opened just as any other folder. Furthermore it offers built-in decompression for ICE,ARJ, ZIP, GZIP, TAR, MS-CAB, RAR, ACE, Quake 3 compressed files, Internet Mail files (Mime, UUE, XXE, B64, HQX), Java Archive (JAR, EAR, WAR), LZS, LZH, LHA, IMP and BZ2. All of ICEOWS features are integrated into the Windows Explorer right click menu.

FilZip is an archiving utility (zip tool) that can open various archive types including ZIP, ARJ, CAB, RAR, TAR and others, as well as internet encoded files .UUE and .XXE. It offers Windows integration, drag and drop, encryption, multi-extract and more. It also comes with a SFX-Creator (self-extracting archives), optional encryption, add, delete, view, open files from an archive, view the zip comment, password protect zip files, test files while extracting, and automatic installation of archives. You can also convert an archive into another format or email it via the built-in mailer.

Optimal Archive makes your zip files look and act like regular Windows folders, allowing you to launch applications from inside the zip file, drag and drop files from and to the zip file and more. You can also create new compressed zip files and uncompress zip, rar, arj and tar files. It supports multi volume self extracting files and - unlike many other zip tool, you can browse the folder structure within a zip in an Explorer style manner. Additional features include Windows Explorer right click integration and more. The program is not quiet as feature packed as others, but provides ease of use and everything you need to handle the most common zip/unzip tasks. Requires free registration by email.

BigSpeed Zipper is a zip and unzip tool, that offers an easy to use Windows Explorer style interface. To compress or extract files just drag them from the Windows Explorer view to the Zip side of the interface. In addition you can also open zip files remotely on web servers, search in all zip files on the disk, view the contents zip files while downloading them, automate frequently used compression operations, backup files in zip format to disk or FTP server, upload zip files to FTP servers, send zip files as email attachments or synchronize the contents of zip files and folders. The program also allows to split/join files to/from smaller chunks, repair damaged zip files and can create self-extracting packages and span zip files over multiple volumes.

Do you have tons of zip files from previous downloads but can't remember what's in them? Most files contain a DIZ file , Readme.txt or some other sort of text that has an overview of the software. You could open each one individual, but that can be a boring and tedious task. WinDiz let's you browse your ZIP files and will automatically show the contained txt or diz file in the built in viewer. Now browsing zip file content only takes minutes and a few click with your mouse. Comes with an integrated zip packer, very easy to use: just drag & drop between two boxes, and press only one button (for standard archiving). Additional features include ID3 tag support (v1 and v2) and a small file manager.

GSfx Wizard lets you build complete custom Self-Extracting Archives (SFX) with a Windows 2000 wizard interface for easy delivering of your documents, projects, programs, setup systems and other files. GSfx Wizard features strong file compression (Cabinet LZX) and lets you customize any aspect of your archives. It supports displaying custom texts and readme (in Rich Text Format), localization, user-defined folders, splash pictures and much more. The program has a very attractive interface that provides a step-by-step operation. Easy enough for beginners, but plenty of features for advanced users.