PKZIP and SecureZIP: Low-Carb Diets for Your Files Decompression Zone Wayne Kawamoto
Decompression Zone
We encountered no problems installing and running PKZIP and SecureZIP, although we did discover that you can't install SecureZIP on a system that already has PKZIP installed. In our testing, we easily used the programs' wizards to create archives, add files to archives, and extract them. We were also able to access and apply the programs' features from within Windows Explorer.
We used the programs to drag and drop files to perform compression and decompression functions. Overall, we enjoyed the programs' flexibility, and both
worked flawlessly throughout our testing. We're also impressed with the e-mail feature that can archive files, automatically create a new message within Microsoft Outlook, and attach the compressed file.
In our evaluation, we found that with no filtering or encryption and with normal compression, PKZIP took a group of BMP files and created a compressed
archive that took up 55 percent less disk space. And for a pack of WordPerfect files, the resulting archive was 60 percent smaller. Of course, the time it took to compress files and create an archive depended on the compression mode and other settings.
Sizing Up the Competition
WinZIP Computing's WinZIP is worthy competition for PKZIP. In our testing, WinZIP was as fast as PKZIP at compressing files and resulted in archives of
approximately the same size (given the same settings for compression and other factors). Like PKZIP, the comparably-priced WinZIP offers excellent wizards to assist novices as they perform basic archive functions. On the other hand, WinZIP's integration with Windows isn't as thorough as that of PKZIP, and it lacks the sheer number of options when working in Windows Explorer.
PKZIP has a retail price of $24.95, while SecureZIP costs $99.95. PKZIP also offers a version with the e-mail option at a retail price of $34.95. You may evaluate the programs for free for up to 30 days.
When you need to compress and decompress files and put your hard drive on a low-carb diet, there's no reason to look beyond PKZIP and SecureZIP. Both are at the top of their class and are competitively priced.
Pros: Helpful wizards, excellent integration with Windows, good security, inexpensive
Cons: Lacks a few of WinZIP's more advanced features, email integration costs an additional $10
