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Zip File Compression Utility

     - Friday, August 12, 2005

While a file compression utility may not seem to be the most exciting tool out there, finding a good one these days is harder than you might think. Windows XP ships with a compressed folder option, but for some applications you may want more functionality. So, once again, I've scoured the web to find the best tool for my readers.

Some of the functionality I wanted in a compression utility included a context menu interface (by right-clicking on a file) as well as a command line interface. It needed to all the standard file formats such as zip, rar, tar, gz, and tgz. Since I'm using Windows, drag-and-drop functionality should be standard. A password function that complies with the Zip 2.0 standard also seemed like a reasonable request. Oh, and of course, it also needed to be freeware.

After testing and installing a slew of zip programs, I came across a program called ALZip from ALTools, and I love it. According to ALTools,

ALZip is the easiest to use, most powerful, and by far the cutest compression utility available.

In fact, it seems ALTools whole philosophy fits with mine. I require tools that are easy to use but with lots of functionality, and come with a good help file. Writing manuals is a lost art for most software makers, but not with ALTools. It's not like I want to curl up with a manual at night, but I do think software should be well described and documented.

The programmers at ALTools seem to understand that if the interface is standardized on the Windows platform, users will be able to intuitively understand how to operate the program. Programmers too often design a customized interface that just ends up confusing the user. Best of all, ALZip comes with cute little egg-head icons for your zip files.

So now your search is over for a great file compression utility. I've done the hard work, all you need to do now is download it. Enjoy!

ALZIP: For all your file compression needs
Download ALZip and see how it can make your online life easier

posted by Kevin Watts |  Permalink |