WinZips latest version of its namesake compression utility improves on its predecessors by providing enhanced encryption support and an end to restrictions on Zip file sizes and contents.
Released in February, WinZip 9.0 costs $29 for new users and is free for current license holders.
This popular Windows compression utility now offers 128- and 256-bit AES encryption in addition to the standard Zip encryption. In tests using the new encryption schemes, I found no discernible lag in compression time and only a slight increase in decompression time and file size.
WinZip 9.0 includes a Command Line Support add-on that enabled me to use WinZip directly from the command prompt and from batch files and script languages. The new version supports the 64-bit extended format, which eliminates the caps on Zip file size.
While many Windows XP users today use the Compress Folders support native to the operating system, WinZip 9.0s speed is one good reason to return to WinZip. I found WinZip to be noticeably more agile at compressing files than Compressed Folders.
However, users who work with SIT or RAR files will need to use a different archival program because WinZip does not support these formats.
More information is available at www.winzip.com.
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