CNET Editors' note: WinZip is now bundled with Google Toolbar and Google Desktop Search. Installation of these components is optional.
CNET Editors' review
Version 12 of this venerable archiving tool packs a couple of excellent new compression features and enhancements. The best new feature lets users compress JPEG images, known for being hard to reduce in size because of their already-compressed nature. We saw file-size gains of about 20 percent in JPEG-only archives.
Another new feature, Zip from Camera, lets you transfer and compress photos directly from your camera as long as the model is supported. This feature also worked flawlessly in our tests. The improved thumbnail view not only lets users view thumbnails of their archived images--but it also lets users browse images within ZIPs without having to extract files first.
Encryption features get more than a new coat of paint in this version, with customizable password requirements and enhancements for system administrators that let them determine how, if at all, encryption is enforced. AES is supported, with the option for both 128-bit and 256-bit security. Files and folders can also be renamed within a ZIP, and the new Smart View is content-sensitive, automatically choosing the Thumbnail view for images, for example. We like the flexible drag-and-drop support, allowing you to drag files to and from the interface, which will zip or unzip them automatically.
We also like the contextual menus that enable you to perform most of WinZip's functions on the fly. Overall, WinZip is among the best compression programs available, providing all the features necessary to create easy backups, compress e-mail files, and manage downloaded files from the Internet.
Watch the CNET video review of WinZip:
Publisher's Description
From WinZip Computing:
WinZip is the original and most popular of all Windows ZIP file utilities. Wizard/Classic interfaces accommodate both first-time and experienced users. With WinZip you can quickly and easily compress and decompress files, folders, and entire folder trees to save storage space and reduce e-mail-transmission time, as well as encrypt and decrypt your sensitive documents. Features include tight integration with Windows Explorer, support for most Internet file formats, and one-click zipping and e-mail. WinZip 12 adds new features for JPEG compression, the ability to ZIP files directly from a digital camera, an enhanced thumbnail view, a built-in image viewer, support for the LZMA compression method, customizable password policies, more encyption options, and other new features.
What's new in this version: WinZip 12 adds new features for JPEG compression, the capability to ZIP files directly from a digital camera, an enhanced thumbnail view, a built-in image viewer, support for the LZMA compression method, customizable password policies, more encryption options, and other new features.
More Popular File Compression downloads
- WinRAR (32-bit)
374,958 downloads
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82,945 downloads
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63,668 downloads
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38,797 downloads
- 7-Zip
27,725 downloads
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 1,703 votes
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Current version:
3.7 starsout of 62 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Placed Order for WinZip but haven't received license."
Version: WinZip 12.0
Pros
can't think of any
Cons
Placed Order for WinZip but haven't received license. Winzip charged my twice for no license and now they tell me it's my problem. They have ripped me off and no one will help.
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"It is very good"
Version: WinZip 12.0
Pros
it is very usfule
Cons
Noting wromg
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"Great work"
Version: WinZip 12.0
Pros
I really love this software because it caters all my needs of file compression
Cons
not in general.
Summary
It is really great software because it lets you to compress files in any format ranging from zip to rar. Also as this software is being developed and new versions are released, the compression ratio is increasing much. Also it has very good user controls that are easy to navigate and use
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"Sorry, was not impressed."
Version: WinZip 12.0
Pros
Just like Disney, this gadget's been around since dirt.. You gotta love it..
Cons
Well not on my watch...
Summary
What ever happened to the ' just unzip and use '..? I found it (this version) to be too complicated to use (with it's newly acquired whistles and bells).. I could never get it to just.. unzip and place the elements in my designated folder like in the old days, no! This thing has to imply complications so you would forget it's humble roots.. and then (as is nagged at you from the get go) you gotta PAY for the privledge of being totally turned-off.. Again, I was not impressed...
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"TROJAN DO NOT TOUCH "Trojan.generic.A!ct""
Version: WinZip 12.0
Pros
DON'T DOWNLOAD THIS!
Cons
TROJAN!!!!!
As soon as I downloaded this look!!! ' "Trojan.generic.A!ct" Was blocked from infecting your system'Summary
TROJAN!!!!!
As soon as I downloaded this look!!! ' "Trojan.generic.A!ct" Was blocked from infecting your system' -
"Excellent!"
Version: WinZip 12.0
Pros
Ease of use.
Cons
Price - make it lower to be more attractive!
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"excelent best bro"
Version: WinZip 12.0
Pros
excelent best bro
Cons
excelent best bro
Summary
excelent best bro
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"Just as good as ever"
Version: WinZip 12.0
Pros
Very easy to use
Cons
None really
Summary
Works great but so did WinZip 7,8,9,10,11 so it's about the same to me i would say if you have any of the other WinZip's why upgrade
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"Works well, very pleased"
Version: WinZip 12.0
Pros
Opened damaged zip file
Cons
Price, I am disabled and live on $1,050.00 per month.
Summary
The ad banners in the trial version are a real turn off, the batch file zip utility was not readilly aparent, I'm used to just shift clicking, and you have a little problem doing that ...otherwise more plus features than not and certianly better to use than Vista's native capabilitys.
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"Umm has anyone ever heard of 7zip?"
Version: WinZip 12.0
Pros
it decompresses files
Cons
It has you pay for something you can get for free
Summary
Go and get 7zip!!
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