The ZIP Wizard for Windows

Aimed at the novice user, this archiving tool fails to simplify the compression process. However, it does thoroughly explain the process, and make it easier to perform extra functions. The ZIP Wizard's plain interface is easily accessed from its Start menu folder or through the file and directory context menus.

Start without selecting a file, and The ZIP Wizard gets very novice friendly. The program's opening window features three large, well-labeled icons to create a new Zip file, add to an existing Zip file, or explain Zip files. As expected, the app features a step-by-step approach to create an archive. A tree menu displays directories, with the files showing on the top right. Simply select files and drag and drop them to the area below the file viewing pane and hit Next.

Onscreen direction and buttons help you name your file and choose a directory. The next screen provides detailed information about the original number and size of the files and the final, compressed size of the archive. The final screen presents large buttons to open the directory containing the archive, create a new Zip file, delete the source files, e-mail the archive, and exit the program.

The process is just as simple when you select a file and choose The ZIP Wizard option from the context menu. There are only a handful of advanced settings to choose compression level, password-protect the ZIP file, and include the file path. Each is well-explained onscreen.

For those users who have no experience creating Zip files, The ZIP Wizard's well-designed interface and plain language instruction will take all the mystery out creating compressed files. Users who don't need this level of hand-holding won't see the need to pay for a program that duplicates such common file compression functionality.