7-Zip runs as a utility program which helps you extract compressed files and create your own compressed files in many different formats. With the 7-Zip tool, you can easily send large quantities of information or open compressed files you receive without stress. 7-Zip is completely free to download as well as use. The app’s upsides far outweighs it’s few minor drawbacks which accompany it. If you want to know more about this app, you can keep reading to get all the information we have to offer.
If you are looking for an alternative app or another similar program, this app is a good place or option to start or consider. The encryption strength for 7z archives was increased and the size of random initialization vector was increased from 64-bit to 128-bit and the pseudo-random number generator was also improved.
The main features of 7-Zip High Compression ratio in new 7z format with LZMA compression. The supported formats – Packing /unpacking: 7z ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2 and TAR – Unpacking only – ARJ, CAB, CPIO, DEB, DMG, HFS, ISO, LZH, LZMA, MSI, NSIS, RAR, RPM, UDF, WIM, XAR and Z. For ZIP and GZIP formats.
7-Zip offers compression ratio which is 2-10% which is actually better than the ratio provided PKZip and WinZip. Self-extracting capability for 7z-format integration with Windows, Shell, Powerful File Manager, and Powerful command line version.
Unique Features of 7-Zip
This utility program is one that comes with some beautiful set of features that users will find quite useful. These features are:
- Users can archive files in various formats and easily manage them.
- 7-Zip was last updated in 2/6/2020.
- The program has been through two updates within the past 6 months.
- The current version of 7-Zip has 2 flags on VirusTotal.
- Has a free and fast download.
- It is always available.
- 7-Zip has been tested virus-free.
What are the Pros of 7-Zip
What makes the 7-Zip utility program shine in comparison to others is:
Format Options
7-Zip can handle multiple compression formats. It can even package files into 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2, and TAR formats. The program can also unpack all those in addition to ARJ, CAB, CHM, CPIO, DEB, DMG and even more.
Advanced Capabilities
This utility program is quite straightforward so much so that newbies have no trouble accessing it’s basic features. However, for more advanced users, there are other options also that makes this program even a better option. They include the ability to create self-extracting 7z files as well as the option to add password protection to compressed files.
Cons of 7-Zip
Compression process
Where the 7-Zip utility program falls short is the compression process. The app takes more time in completing than some alternative programs processes actually do. Compressions done with 7-Zip also require a whole of system resources while they are in progress.
Is 7-Zip Free?
You don’t have to register or pay for 7-Zip. The app works for Windows 7, Vista XP, 2008, 2003, 2000, NT, ME, and 98. Additionally, there’s a port of the command line version to Linux/Unix. Most of the source code, is under the GNU LGPL license and the unRAR code is under a mixed license with GNU LGPL + unRAR restrictions. 7-Zip can be used on any computer including a computer in a commercial organization.
The 7-Zip program works on Windows 10, and over the years, it has been updated as new operating systems are being rolled out. Since Windows has never really had an unzipping program that opens RAR files, it is most likely that 7-Zip will continue to dominate the market and exist in the future as well as continue to be updated.
