CNET Editors' review
WinZip version 16 has hit the streets, bringing with it a few features aimed at keeping the venerable archiving tool in the cool crowd. Plus, with its all-new native 64-bit engine, this newest release runs just a bit smoother and faster than before.
But first things first--the guts of the program. WinZip 16 retains its large feature set, including drag-and-drop support and content-sensitive previews. It can compress images by up to 25 percent and has a "Zip from Camera" wizard, and deep context menu support enables you to perform most of WinZip's functions on the fly. However, while installing you should keep an eye out for the Kaspersky Security Scan companion install; it is an opt-out offer.
WinZip 16 also keeps confidential data secret by "shredding" the temporary file that WinZip creates by default whenever it opens an archive. The shredding uses U.S. Department of Defense standard DoD 5220.22-M. Other security features include built-in AES encryption and customizable password requirements, both of which could prove handy in conjunction with WinZip's shiny new sharing features.
Seamlessly integrated into WinZip 16's interface is ZipSend. With a few clicks, ZipSend can help you to circumvent E-mail attachment restrictions thanks to partner YouSendIt's cloud storage and file transfer powers. Right off the bat, the feature allows you to e-mail up to 50MB of zipped data for free, and up to 2GB if you're a ZipSend Pro user. While ZipSend may seem a bit convoluted, as it's powered by YouSendIt and requires a separate install of an app called WinZip Courier, it is certainly a perfect complement to WinZip's core archiving functions.
The other big addition to version 16 is ZipShare, a convenient and smart feature that lets you upload your ZIP file to the cloud, and post a link on your Facebook Wall for others to download, all with a few clicks. It's impressive, no doubt, but we still feel it could use some tweaking. For one, we'd love to be able to tag people on the Wall post, in case the download is meant for one or more friends in particular. Also, we'd love to see a bit more flexibility in the form of sharing through direct messages or via other social networks. But even without these minor tweaks, ZipShare is still a useful feature that's sure to be exploited by WinZip's millions of users.
Finally, WinZip 16 includes a "Zip to Blu-ray" feature that lets you store up to 50GB of archived data per disc. While this feature likely won't be used as often as the others, it's still nice to have the capability.
Overall, we love the new additions that WinZip has incorporated. While they may not be ground-breaking by any means, they do add another layer of icing to an already delicious WinZip cake.
Watch the CNET video review of WinZip:Publisher's Description
From WinZip Computing:
WinZip is the world leader in file compression, file encryption, file sharing, and data backup. Now with a high-performance 64-bit zip engine that takes full advantage of your computer's processing power, WinZip 16.0 instantly compresses your data to create Zip files, LHA files, and our smallest file type, Zipx. Need to extract content from other file formats like RAR, 7Z, BZ2, LHA, CAB, IMG, or ISO? Not only can WinZip extract the industry's widest selection of compressed file types, but WinZip 16.0 introduces extended preview features that support these additional formats. WinZip also provides advanced photo/image compression. With a single click, you can compress your digital photographs and graphic images by 20-25% with no loss of quality. Need to protect confidential information? WinZip offers strong AES encryption to secure sensitive data so you can password-protect your files as you zip them, in one easy step. Did you know that Zip files are perfect for sharing? Use WinZip to organize your files into compact, logical packages that are ideal for distribution. Got extra large files to share? WinZip includes access to ZipSend, our new file sharing web service. Now you can zip and email up to 2GB without worrying about bounced/undeliverable messages or clogged email systems. WinZip also provides instant access to ZipShare, our new Facebook app. Use ZipShare to zip and post files to Facebook directly from the WinZip window. Need help backing up your work? WinZip Pro provides an automated data backup facility to help you prevent data loss. Apply WinZip Pro's preset backup jobs or create your own with the easy-to-use wizard. You can also burn your backup data to CD/DVD/Blu-ray, copy it to a network drive, email it off site, or upload it to a server using the built-in FTP client. WinZip even provides a one-click diagnostic tool that scans your PC for performance issues. Save space, save time, and share more with WinZip.
What's new in this version: WinZip 16 includes the following new capabilities:
- Avoid e-mail size limits and send up to 2GB, hassle-free
- Upload and post any type of file directly to Facebook
- Tap into your computer's full zipping power with our new 64-bit zip engine
- Zip and write files directly to Blu-ray Disc
- Enjoy greater flexibility with support for additional compressed file formats
- Scan your system for PC performance issues with just one click
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 1,707 votes
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Current version:
3.1 starsout of 26 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Good Program but......"
Version: WinZip 16.0
Pros
1.Good Program fast unzip and more
2.Ribbon UI like other Windows original Program
3.Cool feature
4.and more(because i can't thinking more than this)Cons
1.NOT FREE!!!!!
2.I hate the WinZip 16 update...
3.I don't know but....sometimes why Windows 7 Ultimate(ORIGINAL) hang....Summary
yeah////\\\\ this program ROCKS!!!
but i will stick with WinRar...
~~~~~ ~~~~~
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"Keep WinZip 15.0 Advantages don't justify the upgrade."
Version: WinZip 16.0
Pros
WinZip is a great tool and multi-taskable. Very versital in many venues.
Cons
There aren't any noticable advantages that can justify making the upgrade purchase from WinZip 15.0 to version 16.0. I want to be 'WOWed' and this version was anticlimactic.
Summary
If you DON'T have WinZip then get it (if you need it) but, if you already have an older version and it works fine... pass.
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"fint program"
Version: WinZip 16.0
Pros
let tilgaengeligt
Cons
jeg kan ikke finde nogen
Summary
det er helt i orden
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""Upgrade" to version 16?"
Version: WinZip 16.0
Pros
Theoretically with version 16 it now takes advantage of my 64 bit operating system.
Cons
Every other feature that has been added since version 15.5 is either a distraction, a backward step, or simply an opportunity for the developers to earn some revenue. If it integrated with Dropbox which I'm already paying for then I could live with the "improvement" but the idea that I've also got to pay for ZipSend to get the full value out of my upgrade... grrrr...
Summary
Let's go back to version 15.5 and start the upgrade process again, with features that are really core to the software, not complete distractions.
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"Came with a virus."
Version: WinZip 16.0
Pros
It did work to extract the files. However, it came with a virus.
Cons
Came with a virus that was very hard to remove. It hijacks your browser.
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"not whan i need"
Version: WinZip 16.0
Pros
not whan i need
Cons
not whan i need
Summary
not whan i need
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"not applicable"
Version: WinZip 16.0
Pros
not applicable
Cons
not applicable
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"The WinZip160 file would not install!"
Version: WinZip 16.0
Pros
I would like to add something here one day.
Cons
I have Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit. The WinZip16.0 installation file downloaded just fine but the install fails. The file unpacks itself but then nothing, not even a dialogue box or error message. This is even more annoying because I have purchased the item. My registration details will not work in WinZip15.0
Summary
Grrrrrr!!
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"Not Free!!"
Version: WinZip 16.0
Pros
Would be nice if it were actually free.
Cons
Why do they say this program is FREE it is NOT FREE. After installing you discover that there is a short trial period and then you must pay. CNET you dropped the ball on this and mislead me. Hmmm, not the first time.
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"works good, simple to use"
Version: WinZip 16.0
Pros
works good, simple to use
Cons
I have no problems.
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