7-Zip review
7-Zip is a utility program to help you extract compressed files and create your own compressed files in several different formats. With these tools you can easily send large quantities of information or open compressed files you receive without hassle.
Pros
Format options: This program can handle multiple compression formats. It can package files into 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2, and TAR formats, and it can unpack all those, in addition to ARJ, CAB, CHM, CPIO, DEB, DMG, and more.
Advanced capabilities: This app is straightforward enough that novice users will have no trouble accessing its basic features. But for more advanced users, there are other options as well that make this program even better. These include the ability to create self-extracting 7z files and the option to add password protection to compressed files.
Cons
Compression process: The compression process this app uses takes more time to complete than some alternative programs' processes do. Compressions carried out through 7-Zip also require a lot of system resources while they're in progress.
Bottom Line
7-Zip is completely free to download and use, and its many upsides far outweigh the few minor drawbacks that come with it. If you're looking for an alternative to WinZip or another similar program, this is a good option to consider.
