Unlike its name might suggest Winzip 14 is not only compatible with zip files but with the most popular compression formats including rar, 7z, gzip, tar and disk image formats like iso or img. Winzip, since the release of version 12.1 even comes with its own zipx compression format which reduces the file size of archives further.

Winzip 14 integrates nicely into the Windows operating system after installation. Actually, the installation is giving the user control over the level of integration. It is possible to add Winzip to the right-click context menu of Windows Explorer which can then be used to compress and process selected files without having to open the program first.

The main interface can be started in classic or wizard mode. Classic mode gives the user total control over the interface while the wizard aids the user in performing popular tasks like creating a new zip file or zipping important documents.

Winzip 14 comes with full Windows 7 support which includes jumplists and a progress meter in the taskbar when Winzip is active, a preview pane in Windows Explorer that can be used to preview contents of supported compression formats as well as library and touch screen support.

Winzip 14 is actually more than just a file compression software as it offers file encryption, file backup and sharing options as well. Here is a list of the some of the features that Winzip 14 provides:

• Encrypt data with AES-128 or AES-256 encryption
• Auto-wipe (“shred”) temporarily extracted copies of encrypted files
• Password Policies for encrypting data with Winzip
• Photo and image resizing when sending them per email
• Outlook 2007 zip previews
• Data backup of important files and folders

One of the biggest improvements in Winzip 14 are jobs that can be created. Jobs make it very easy to run specific tasks with the option to schedule these tasks so that they are run regularly.

Winzip 14 comes with several preconfigured jobs that include zipping the My Documents folder, all Windows 7 libraries, the Pictures library only or zipping My Email.

The creation of jobs in Winzip 14 is similar to the creation of backup jobs in backup software. It begins by selecting files and folders that should be included in the job. This can be customized by using file filters to exclude or include specific files and folders in the job.

The user then selects the type of job which ranges from a simple compression of all files and folders to differential or incremental data backups.

The compression, encryption, folder info and size limits (to span and split files) can be configured in step 3. The password encryption supports up to 256-BIT AES encryption but can also be configured for maximum compatibility which would make the encryption weaker but more compatible.

The job can save the contents to a folder on a local or remote hard disk or on removable media like CD or DVD. The last step reveals additional storage options (ftp or email) and can also be used to schedule the created job.

Winzip 14 makes it very easy to create these jobs which are mainly used for backing up files and folders (regularly). It can on the other hand also be used to sync folders or to send emails to a recipient regularly.

Registered users of Winzip 14 can download the WinZip Command Line add-on which enables them to use Winzip from the command line and in batch files. Winzip 14 has a definite advantage when it comes to features that it offers in addition to the core file compression module. Especially the data backup and sharing options (email clients) make it a very interesting choice.

A trial version of Winzip 14 can be downloaded from the main Winzip homepage.

Giveaway:

We have ten Winzip 14 Pro licenses for you. If you want to win one of the licenses reply to this thread and let us know why you’d like to win the license.

Our partner site Windows 7 News is also running a giveaway. You can win a Giganews Platinum account and more today. Check it out.

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The giveaway starts on 12:00 CET and ends 24 hours later on the next day. The winners of the licenses will be notified by email, make sure you include your email in the comment.

Bitser comes with an interface that is divided into two areas. One is displaying the contents of the compressed files with the other is displaying the directory structure. This makes it much easier to add files to an compressed archive without having to drag and drop contents from the Windows operating system into the application. Like most file compression programs Bitser supports a wide variety of file compression formats including the popular zip, rar and 7z formats.

The output formats are limited to zip, 7z or exe though. Bitser comes with the standard functionality of all file compression programs like password protecting archives, drag and drop support and the integration into the operating system.

The interesting aspect of the program is the Explorer like interface. It can be used to browse many archives in relatively short time. The local file browser makes it possible to browse the computer system and inspect any compressed archives in no time. Another interesting option is the extensive reporting section which contains reports of previous operations. Reports contain information about files, sizes, dates, the compression algorithms, commands and results that can be saved in rft format for further analysis or archiving.

Bitser is a valid alternative for users who regularly work with compressed files in the Windows operating system. The interface makes it a tad easier to work with those files which puts it ahead of most other file compression programs. It does require the Microsoft .net Framework 3.5 and will run on Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

If you are just looking for a file compression software that can extract archive contents you might be better off with a tool like 7-zip or the Universal Extractor.