Software Review - WinRAR

WinRAR is the top of the line file compression and archiving utility on the market. I have been using the WinRAR archiving and compression utility since version 2.0 and quite honestly, I have not found another program which is compatible with so many different archive types, or that is so simple to use. The WinRAR interface is intuitive and it does not take very long to get the hang of using the program.

Of course, WinRAR does support the ZIP file format, but it achieves a much higher compression rate using the RAR file type. One of the best features of WinRAR is that it will setup right-click context menus in the Windows environment. This makes archiving and even extracting files very simple.

However, you can even add files to an existing archive on the fly. Whenever I create an archive, if the data is sensitive, I will password protect my archive. WinRAR's encryption and password protection ensures that my data is safe. I always backup my data to CDs and I find that it is beneficial to be able to password protect and compress my files so that I can fit more information on a disk. This saves me money because as you know writable CD disk are not free.

Another feature that I enjoy about WinRAR is that you can create self-extracting files. When you choose this option, WinRAR will create and executable files. When you double click the EXE file, your files will be extracted automatically and it will even create folders that you predetermine to your hard drive. This saves you a lot of time by eliminating the need for you to manually add directories in Windows Explorer.

WinRAR is one of those utilities that serious computer users just will not go without. While everybody seems to have their own personal preference as to what software they use WinRAR will always be in my arsenal of computer utilities. I only wish that everybody would use the RAR compression format.

Because I have used WinRAR for so long and I find it to be a valuable resource I give this program a 5/5 rating. I would suggest downloading the trial version of WinRAR and see for your self what a valuable tool this utility is.

Website
http://www.rarlab.com/