CNET Editors' review
Even with the increasing capacity of today's hard drives and faster Internet connections, file compression tools continue to be popular. Especially those that handle more than just ZIP files. Hamster Free Zip Archiver from Hamstersoft is one such simple tool. This free program will compress files in the ZIP and 7z formats, but it is fully capable of decompressing RAR files, as well.
It's easy enough to install and use. The interface is clean and modern, and compressing files is as simple as drag and drop. If you happen to be a newbie, have no fear, clicking the Help button will guide you through the entire process. You'll find three setting for your archives--Minimum, Optimal, and Maximum--so you can determine archiving speed and file size. Maximum is the slowest in terms of speed but it produces the smallest file size. Hamster Free Zip Archiver also lets you easily break up extra-large files into separate archives so they're easier to transmit, and you can password-protect files for added security.
One warning, though; installing Hamster Free Zip Archiver will make Bing your default search engine if you don't uncheck this option. It also adds a desktop icon without asking. If you don't mind these minor issues, Hamster Free Zip Archiver is a free tool that's easy to use and handles file types that some built-in tools can't.
Publisher's Description
From Hamstersoft:
How many times have you downloaded an archive from the Internet only to find that you can't seem to be able to open it? Many files such as programs and other documents are provided in archived formats for easier distribution over the web and to save space and make transfers quicker. However, while the ZIP format may still be one of the most popular, there are also many other popular formats out there. The ZIP format has limited native support in Windows XP and later, but most other compression formats do not. Hamster Free Zip Archiver is the ultimate solution for working not only with ZIP files, but with other compressed file types as well. With this completely free software installed on your computer, you should never have to worry again about being unable to open compressed file archives. You can also quickly and easily make your own archives with the various presets provided and the particularly user-friendly wizard-driven interface.
What's new in this version: Version 2.0.0.25 includes unspecified updates.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 127 votes
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Current version:
1.8 starsout of 4 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-4 of 4
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"Worked well for me"
Version: Hamster Free Zip Archiver 2.0.0.25
Pros
Free and easy to use.
Cons
I have found none
Summary
I would recommend.
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"Wonky and Unintuitive"
Version: Hamster Free Zip Archiver 2.0.0.25
Pros
Pretty User Interface. Love Hamsters.
Cons
Weird interface. Unintuitive. Does odd things, and does them seemingly at random.
Summary
WHY oh WHY doesn't someone make a ZIP utility that just WORKS intuitively? Select zipped file. Unzip to specified location. Done! Is that too much to ask?
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"Installed wrong program, then went to FaceBook"
Version: Hamster Free Zip Archiver 2.0.0.25
Pros
none - never installed
Cons
No problem with download, but what installed was the Hamster video converter, not zip, and when it was finished, it went straight to the Hamster Facebook page.
Summary
A slightly scarey aggravation that needs to be removed and or repaired.
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"Security Threat"
Version: Hamster Free Zip Archiver 2.0.0.25
Pros
Don't know - did not install. See comment.
Cons
Don't know - did not install. See comment.
Summary
I was quite eager to install this program, until AVG's anti-virus program identified it as a security threat - High Risk.
Results 1-4 of 4
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