Compress files with 7-zip

Compressed files are an important part of working on the internet. Although the need to reduce file sizes has been lessened by broadband, they are often convenient packages for program files that might be blocked by email servers or company networks.

7-Zip is an open source utility for dealing with compressed files and it supports an impressive range of file types.

Installation is quick and includes options in the right-click menus for creating and opening compressed files.

7-Zip has it's own file format known as 7z but it has full support for a wide variety of other file types including: 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP and WIM. It can read and extract files (but not create compressed files) from an even wider range including: ARJ, CAB, CHM, CPIO, CramFS, DEB, DMG, FAT, HFS, ISO, LZH, LZMA, MBR, MSI, NSIS, NTFS, RAR, RPM, SquashFS, UDF, VHD, WIM, XAR and Z.

Compressed files can be encrypted for extra security with the AES-256 system.

The 7-Zip File Manager looks quite spartan compared to other compressed file managers. Compressed folders can be opened just like ordinary ones. The ability to look in ISO images is particulary useful.

This is the download for the 32-bit version. Click here to download the 64-bit version from the 7-zip website.