WinZip (32-bit) 6.3

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: CNET Staff

The reigning top dog of the utility world gets some nice behind-the-scenes improvements while maintaining the familiar usability and interface that we've come to trust. WinZip is still king at creating ZIP archives, and this new version expands its kingdom on a number of fronts. New features include AES 128- and 256-bit encryption for tighter security, an improved compression algorithm that gives you better compression ratios, and new technologies that remove the size restrictions on ZIP archives. Other handy features include a user-friendly zipping wizard, a split archive function that converts even very large ZIP files into manageable sizes for easier e-mailing, span-disk capability for complete backups, integration with virus-protection software, and the ability to drop whole programs into one self-extracting archive.

Although this is the most compatible version to date, WinZip still relies on ZIP alone to archive your files. We would have liked to see support for RAR, ISO, and ACE archives. Overall, however, WinZip is a fantastic program, and the new features improve on what it does best. Whether you're an old pro or a new user, this is a must-have upgrade. Watch the CNET video review of WinZip (32-bit):

Publisher's description

From WinZip Computing :

WinZip is a straightforward zip and unzip utility that includes built-in support for popular Internet file formats: TAR, gzip, UUencode, XXencode, BinHex, MIME, and Unix compress. ARJ, LZH, and ARC files are supported via external programs. An optional wizard simplifies unzipping and installing software in ZIP files. WinZip 6.3 features automatic, built-in disk-spanning support for multidisk ZIP files. Other enhancements in the new version include better Windows 95/NT shell integration, so it is easier to zip and unzip directly from the Explorer, and improvements to the built-in WinZip Self-Extractor Personal Edition. WinZip also includes an interface to the freely downloadable Internet Browser Support add-on, which lets you download and open ZIP files from the Internet with one click via Microsoft's Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. This new version of WinZip is a free upgrade for all registered users.

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