7-Zip Download
Though WinRar is still standing atop all the other programs that enable compressing and
decompressing files, it has to be pointed out that 7-Zip is becoming increasingly popular, especially to
those who prefer using alternative and, importantly, completely free apps. Among all the programs that
are available, it's this one that offers the best compression rate in its own 7z format.
Just like any application that would like to withstand the giant, 7-Zip makes it possible for its users to
handle the majority of the formats, as along with 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR and ZIP files it works
well will unpacking DEB, DMG, FAT, HFS, ARJ, CAB, CHM, CPIO, ISO, LZH, LZMA, MBR, MSI,
NSIS, VHD, WIM, XAR , NTFS, RAR, RPM, UDF and Z files.
The application decompresses and compresses files quickly and smoothly. Not only is creating self-
extracting 7z files available, but also AES-256 coding for 7z and ZIP files and integrating with Internet
Explorer does not seem a problem. Though many WinRar users forget about the alternatives, it is worth
stressing that 7-Zip is capable of managing TAR and GZ archives, which are the standard among Unix
and Linux systems.
The interface of the program is very simplistic, aesthetically pleasing and therefore intuitive. For the
more savvy users there is a command line module but even those who lack any knowledge about
commands can create archives protected by passwords.
