The Best Compression Tools
There are many compression tools available for computers today in the shareware and freeware categories. Options differ in features and function, suiting multiple users and applications. Choose a compression utility based on interface preferences and file type compatibility.
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7 Zip
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7 Zip is a free compression tool that runs on Windows and Linux. It natively uses its own proprietary archive file format called "7z." The program will compress and uncompress 7z, TAR, ZIP, GZIP and BZIP2 files. The program will uncompress RAR, ARJ, CAB, LZH, MSI, HFS, ISO and a number of other archive formats. 7 Zip features a clean and simple user interface to make working with archives easy and straightforward.
KGB Archiver
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KGB Archiver is freeware and a good choice for users who need maximum compression ratios. The program's own file format, PAQ7, will yield ratios of 5:1 for data compression, which is one of the highest of any utility. The program supports KGB and ZIP files. It also has the capability to use AES-256 encryption in archives created with the tool. The program supports Windows, Linux and Macintosh.
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WinZip
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WinZip is a popular shareware compression tool for Windows. The program handles ZIP, ZIPX, RAR, 7ZIP, TAR, ISO and other popular archive file formats. The program can be run in Wizard or Standard mode, which allows beginners and experienced users alike to get the most out of the application. The program integrates with the Windows shell, like many compression tools, to allow easy zipping and unzipping of files.
ALZip
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ALZip is a user-friendly file archiver tool. It has all the basic features needed to handle compressed files and make it a hassle-free process. It includes the option to add password encryption to files and integrates into the Windows shell for easy access. ALZip handles ZIP, 7z, TAR and ALZ for compression and over 30 formats for extraction. The program features a clean and intuitive interface that works with drag and drop functionality and provides easy access to file settings and options.
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References
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