The overall ZIP compression ratio of 7-Zip is decent and on par with the renowned ZIP compression from WinZip. If you want to create self-extracting archives, additional modules or plugins from the 7-Zip website must be downloaded first.

Other features like batch compress and extracting by using hotkeys as well as drag and drop are part of this archiver tool. Moreover, any 7-Zip function can be accessed by using the right-click button on your mouse. Like the majority of compression tools out there, full support with Windows Explorer is provided by 7-Zip as well. I’m a 7-Zip user and in my opinion, though its interface looks quite plain and simple, it serves its intended functions well with a clear and clean look.Ī number of common file compression features like password protection, multi-volume support and integration with Outlook are included in 7-Zip program. However, there’s a Help menu which is very useful when you enter into a twilight zone. On the other hand, there isn’t any wizard to help you get started. Archives are easily created due to the excellent drag and drop functionality that is provided by 7-Zip. It isn’t particularly difficult though as long as you are a little computer savvy. In terms of design, it is similar to WinRAR and a little trial and error is required to properly understand all the functions and how they work. The interface was designed with Windows in mind. Furthermore, it is freeware (thumbs up here as compared to the WinZIP which is a shareware) and it supports the following versions of Windows: Windows 7 / Vista / XP / 2008 / 2003 / 2000 / NT / ME / 98. In addition, 7-Zip is a lightweight and reliable tool that doesn’t come bundled with other software. The installation of 7-Zip is as fast as it should be, considering the fact that the setup kit barely measures 1 MB.

Let’s analyze its features in this quick article and find out what makes 7-Zip a solid file archiver. These archives will be very familiar for those working with Unix and Linux. It can extract from lots of archive formats and you can also create TAR and GZ archives with it. One of the best file compression utilities is 7-Zip. There are a lot of better tools out there with more functionality and features than WinZIP.

Windows users often tend to forget that WinZIP isn’t the only compression software out there.

7-Zip 23.01 download