Description:
PKZIP is like the Old Faithful of file compression packages. For over a decade it has been the yardstick by which all competing products are measured, and the latest version, PKZIP for Windows 2.7, adds many useful features to this venerable utility. This new version can open and compress files in many more formats than before, including UUEncode, BinHex, MIME, tar, and Gzip formats that users frequently encounter on the Web. It also is possible to e-mail compressed files directly from the main PKZIP for Windows interface. New wizards were created to guide newcomers through the file compression and extraction process, but they fall a little short in their goal compared to some of the other software we've tested. Programmers will love PKZIP for Windows' ability to create self-extracting patch files that clients can use to easily update their software (at least if an upgraded professional-distribution license is purchased). Everyone will appreciate the well-written manual that clearly documents every aspect of this program's operation. PKZIP for Windows is an excellent tool, but that doesn't change the fact that several free compression programs that have comparable features are available for download on the Web. Advanced computer users should be pleased with this product's rich feature set, but computer novices might be better off with a compression suite that comes with a more approachable interface. --T. Byrl Baker
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