In the day-to-day modern world, there are many technologies and software that were developed to make our work done easier and quicker. One such software was created in 1999 by Igor Pavlov. There are many things you can do with zip files. You can compress files, encrypt them, split archives, and so on once you figure out the options zip files can perform.
What is 7-Zip?
Consider how Windows folders work. Dropping files into a folder sorts them, and after that, you can place that folder anywhere on your computer, and the files inside it will follow. Like a folder (zip file), zip files compress their contents to save space on the hard drive.
What if you want to email a folder containing 20 files, but you don’t know how? A folder can’t be emailed, so you’d need to email each file individually. You can then email that zipped-up zip archive since all 20 files can be put into one zip archive.
Additionally, they will be compressed to save storage space and facilitate the transmission of the files over the Internet. It will also be convenient to have all those files in one zip archive. But that’s about it for most people when it comes to ZIP files. The benefits of zip archives go beyond just compressing and combining files.
Features of 7-Zip
7-Zip has always been my go-to file compression software. There is no cost (and it’s open-source); it’s fast, clean, and multilingual. Despite using it for a couple of years, I have never used it for anything more advanced than simply compressing files.
A few months ago, I randomly launched 7-Zip’s main interface (right-click a file name or folder name in Windows Explorer, choose 7-Zip, then click Add to archive) and discovered two valuable features that were unavailable without 7-Zip. Seven-Zip has two features that are easy to overlook but can be extremely useful.
- Using the standard Zip file format (.zip file extension): Since WinZip is popular, zip files (.zip files) are probably the most widely used compression format. I used to ask my friends first if they had 7-Zip installed when sending compressed files since the format of the compressed files was 7z (.7z) in the past. It happens that my friends have never heard of 7-Zip and therefore must download and install it to access my archive.
Luckily, they can now do it. My friends can uncompress the Zip files I have compressed using WinZip, while I can compress them using 7-Zip. I also know I can use 7-Zip to open compressed documents that friends send to me in Zip format even when they don’t have WinZip on their computers, which is a feature that I often use.
- Create an encrypted file: 7-Zip has a password protection feature that enables you to encrypt the archived content before you send it online. Sending files over the Internet is not safe. I always encrypt my archive before sending it to anyone online. The archive headers, such as the file names and attachments, can also be encrypted with 7z format and the content.
Consider spending a few minutes exploring other features of 7-Zip (or one of the other software you use daily). You might discover that you have been overlooking these features for years. Take the time to look around and be aware. It is never too late to take advantage of opportunities.
The Windows Zip and Unzip applications are not as versatile as third parties. Some programs offer additional functions for zip files, but 7-Zip is one of the most efficient and lightweight programs.
Download the latest version of 7-Zip by clicking here, which will take you to their website and let you download it. 7-Zip is a free program that can archive zip files. Click that link to be taken to their website and get the latest version. It is simple to install; you must accept the license agreement and click next until 7-Zip is installed.
With 7-Zip, you can right-click files and add them to a zip file. You’ll see a bunch of options when you click “Add to archive.” Here are the definitions and reasons these terms can be helpful.
Formats Supported by 7-Zip File:
On the 7-Zip website, it says it can only unpack RAR files but not package. As stated on their website, the High compression ratio in 7z format is based on LZMA and LZMA2.7-Zip. The software also supports other compression and non-compression archives, including ZIP, Gzip, Bzip2, XZ, Tar, and WIM(both for packing and unpacking).
Top Alternatives of 7-Zip:
On the 7-Zip website, it says it can only unpack RAR files but not package. As stated on their website, the High compression ratio in 7z format is based on LZMA and LZMA2.7-Zip. The software also supports other compression and non-compression archives, including ZIP, Gzip, Bzip2, XZ, Tar, and WIM (both for packing and unpacking).
- WinRAR – This powerful archiver is WinRAR. Its features are backup and email attachment reduction, decompression of RAR, ZIP, and other files downloaded from the Internet, and new RAR and ZIP archives.
- WinZip – Compress files faster than any other system. Take advantage of all the benefits of the world’s top compression software. You’ll be able to securely zip, protect, manage, and share your files with ease.
- Bandizip – There are nearly all types of compressed and extracted file formats supported by Bandizip. Windows Explorer can be used to create or extract multiple ZIP files at the same time, it provides access to context menus (containing the Zip Crypto and AES256 options for archive encryption), and it gives ZIP encryption functions in the context menu. Unicode also has a system that provides users with an internal image of the characters.
- ExtractNow – Unlike other free utilities, ExtractNow provides a very straightforward interface with no complicated functions. Its function is limited to extracting files, not indexing them, as you might expect. However, the ability to delete files makes it a great choice.
Located in the mining sector, the ExtractNow Development Group aimed to achieve the best handling tools. The tool application is quick to use; drag and drop files to the ExtractNow window and press “Extract.”
- Pea Zip – File archive and file manager utility Pea Zip is a free and open-source, cross-platform storage manager and archive utility. It supports dozens of archive formats, including 7z, ISO, LHA, PAR, ZIP, ZIPX, PAQ, and TAR.
They will be instructed in this section about using the encrypted password manager of the Pea Zip as a system of adding strong and two authentication methods to their files.
- Hamster Free Zip Archiver – In addition to compression, Hamster Free ZIP Archive offers encryption. It is compatible with all significant RAR, 7z, tar, GZ, zip, XZ formats, and more. Hamster Free Zippers Archives is available for free, but there will be ads.
- Universal Extractor – There are still many similar programs that can extract files from almost any archive format. However, Universal Extractor supports nearly a hundred different kinds of archives that are still uncommon. This program helps archive RAR, ZIP, self-extracting EXE files, and applications installers.
- Mr. Zipper – This zipping and unzipping tool has quite a few features that can be customized. It makes it possible to unzip and zip almost every file format. As well as browsing files and images inside archive folders, it can also manage archiving-related tasks.
- File Roller – File Roller is a sophisticated file archiver that enables users to create and edit archives. The archive format can be inspected to extract files from it. It can also be used to extract files from remote locations. In the beginning, it supported only ZIP and TAR files, but now it offers compression and decompression support for almost all file types.
- IZArc – The solution supports almost all types of files and allows you to download them on Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. IZArc is a simple but powerful compression tool that offers more than just archive creation and extraction.
With its uncomplicated interface and drag-and-drop functionality, it’s easier to use than other applications. It also integrates with the context of Windows so that you can find files quickly.
- Xarchiver – This free archive manager is only intended for desktop environments. It can manage almost all popular types of archives; however, its features are pretty limited.
This package is recommended for users who like to use DEB (Debian) and RPM (Red Hat) packages and the archive manager. Additional and additional features are available through the package xdg-utils.
Conclusion:
Those who work in an office or have a job that involves dealing with a lot of files, such as documents, should consider the 7Zip application first since it is more powerful and uses fewer system resources. Yes, its user interface may not be the prettiest, but that isn’t invariably the case in real life.
Do you think you will give 7Zip a shot? Or would you prefer to try other archiving and compression tools? Tell us in the comment section. We’re curious about your views.
Thomas Jackson is a dynamic and talented content writer at WonderWorldSpace.com, renowned for his engaging and informative articles. Beyond his professional pursuits in writing, Jack is also known for his deep passion for fitness, which not only shapes his lifestyle but also influences his work.