WinRAR

Popular programs in File Compression

What is WinRAR

WinRAR (64-bit) is a shareware all-in-one archiving tool with a multitude of useful options and compatible archive file formats. With WinRAR, files or folders can be compressed into either single or multi-volume archives in either RAR or ZIP format. WinRAR can also uncompress most popular archive formats including CAB, TAR, UUE, ARJ, GZ, ACE, LZH, BZ2, ISO, 7Z, JAR and Z archives. All of these capabilities are easily accessed and executed through either an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI), a useful command line interface, a convenient Windows shell integration or even a step-by-step compression wizard tool.

WinRAR's ability to compress even the largest of files amounts to noticeable savings in storage space and data transmission bandwidth. While Windows offers users some compression capabilities, WinRAR's enhanced features and options make it a more than capable replacement. One of the most useful of these features is WinRAR's ability to encrypt archives with the option for 128 or 256 bit AES encryption. This feature adds an extra layer of protection for more sensitive archives. The result for the user is that files can be compressed, stored and transferred with added levels of confidence and peace of mind.

The 64-bit version features an enhanced algorithm minimizing resource usage and taking full advantage of 64-bit random access memory (RAM) usage. While there are 32-bit versions of the program available for Windows and countless other operating systems, WinRAR (64-bit) for Windows is clearly the strongest and most effective version available. That being said, there is value in knowing that archives created by WinRAR (64-bit) can be accessed by users of nearly any other platform. The only notable exception comes with the new RAR5 format introduced in WinRAR version 5.0. To create or open this new highly optimized compression format, WinRAR 5.0 (or higher) is a requirement.

While marketed as a shareware program, users still maintain the ability to utilize the tool after the 40-day trial period expires. There is a pop-up asking for payment, but users still have access to WinRAR's features, so files can continue to be created and previously compressed files can still be accessed. This is a generous move on the part of WinRAR creator, RARLAB. For a tool this complete and reliable, however, WinRAR (64-bit) is certainly worth the $29.00 asking price.

Pros

• Compatible with nearly all compressed file types
• Fast and efficient 64-bit compression algorithm
• Numerous useful and accessible interface options
• Excellent alternative to the limited Windows compression tool

Cons

• New RAR5 format can only be created or opened by version 5.0 or higher