What Is File Compression Utility?
File compression utilities are programs designed to compress data, to save on storage space on hard disk drives and removable storage devices. Most file compression software is able to archive and extract files in ZIP and RAR formats, and also enable users to manage files and protect content through encryption. Popular file compression utilities include WinZip, WinRAR, 7-Zip, StuffIt, BitZipper and ALZip.
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Features of Popular Utilities
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File compression utilities are packed with powerful features that may seem daunting to new users. Fortunately, most of these features and functionality do not need to be learned or understood when using the software for its most basic task: compression. The best products have streamlined interfaces so the experience is simple and straightforward for the basic user, while achieving high compression ratios to make the files as small as possible without compromising integrity of the data. Popular compression software has intuitive interfaces, simplifying compression and extraction processes.
Additional Features
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Depending on the developer, different file compression software may have different feature sets. Most programs are able to work on Windows Explorer, enabling right-click instructions for archiving and extraction. Popular products all have high compression ratios, and have support for common archive formats, but there are some added functionalities that may be incorporated in some utilities and not others. Added features may include support for multiple volumes, compression ratio display and creation of self-extracting archives. Some utilities are also able to convert between different archive formats, and convert or extract in batches.
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Common Formats
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Compression and extraction formats are important considerations when evaluating file compression utilities. All good software is able to compress files into ZIP, the most widely-used archive, along with popular open-source archives such as 7Z and TAR. Some types, such as RAR, ACE and ALZIP are proprietary and may not be supported for compression by third-party software. For extraction, compression software should have support for popular archives, such as ZIP, RAR, TAR and ISO, as well as a number of lesser-known formats. In general, the more archive formats a software supports, the more versatile it is.
Help & Support
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Popular file compression utilities have integrated help and support features. The information contained therein is useful for new users who want to learn the jargon and basic features, as well as for experienced users who want to explore the capabilities of the software. Comprehensive content on the help and support pages explains the functions of each feature, and also includes channels through which users can contact technical support.
WinRAR
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WinRAR is by far the most popular file compression tool for Windows-based systems. The software is able to efficiently squeeze data into smaller packages, while being user-friendly, intuitive and not demanding on the computer. The interface is versatile and flexible, letting new users get acquainted with the software by moving the cursor over icons for brief descriptions of each function. There are several themes that users can choose from, and the layout makes sifting through files an easy process. WinRAR is able to achieve up to 15 percent better compression ratio than the ZIP format and includes support for common archive formats such as TAR, ACE, JAR, ISO and BZ2. TopTenReviews describes WinRAR as "an all-in-one archiving solution."
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References
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