The king of compressed files.
WinRAR is a file compression program that can be used to
open, create and decompress RAR, ZIP and other format files. The latest version also supports RAR5, the new compression algorithm.
Why use WinRAR?
WinRAR is
a program that compresses files so that they take up less space on your hard disk. It supports three compression formats, ZIP, RAR, and the new RAR5 format; introduced with this release, RAR5 offers a better compression rate. It'd s great alternative to WinZip and 7-Zip.
WinRAR gives you the option of
protecting the compressed file with a password using a 256-bit AES encryption algorithm. Perfect for hiding your files from prying eyes!
The app can also create self-extracting files, or files that are decompressed automatically with a double-click, as well as including improved features for
repairing damaged files.
With regard to the decompression functions, WinRAR supports
15 different formats : RAR, ZIP, 7-Zip, ACE, ARJ, BZ2, CAB, GZip, ISO, JAR, LHZ, TAR, UUE, XZ, and Z.
The options menu is very detailed and lets you configure every aspect of the program. It's definitely useful for the most demanding users, but it might end up confusing those who are less experienced.
Open and create compressed files? A no-brainer...
The main functions of WinRAR are all easily accessible from the top bar of the interface: Wizard, Virus Scan, features to add/remove files, and to create self-extracting files.
To
open a compressed file, just right click on the file, click
Extract File and then select the destination folder. You can directly execute WinRAR and then once inside the program, you double click on the file you want to decompress. Extracting the files can be made even more simple by using the wizard.
To
create a compressed file, however, you can click with the right mouse button and select
New/WinRAR Archive, then right-click on the file you want to compress and select
Add to archive. To create a file that decompresses itself, simply click on
self-extracting on the WinRAR interface and click
OK.
WinRAR
integrates with Windows Explorer, and can carry out compression/ decompression of files with just one click from the context menu.
The design of the program - obsolete and outdated - has not been altered for this latest version.
The most important innovation in this latest release, is the introduction of the RAR5 compression format. It should be noted, however, that any files created using this format can only be opened by users of WinRAR 5.0.
WinRAR is compatible with Windows 8, 7, Vista and XP, and the installation file is compatible with 32 and 64-bit systems. In addition, it can
installed on your PC and support a wide range of formats.
Unlike ZipGenius or 7-Zip, WinRAR isn't free, but it does include many more features and configuration options. Compared to competitors such as WinZip WinRAR also offers
and more speed.
Ultimately, if you need an efficient compression/decompression program with advanced features, then WinRAR is the way to go.
