zip

Don't be fooled by this simple backup program's simple appearance. It successfully backed up our files and folders and managed to throw in a few extras.

DFIncBackup Home has a very intuitive and straightforward user interface. The helpful wizard will especially appeal to users who are new to backup programs. Experienced users will appreciate the scheduling and password-protection features. The Edit menu was a little cluttered, but we were able to edit all of the backup configurations we had set while using the wizard with little effort. The Configurations menu let us check for free disk space on … Read more

While we could have done without the product pushes, this free file compression tool delivered good results. We especially liked its drag-and-drop functionality for creating new zip files.

There are three ways to access TyphoonZip's user interface: desktop shortcut, taskbar shortcut, and your context menu. The interface is nice to look at, and very easy to navigate. It consists of one window, with prominent command buttons for creating new zip files, opening zip files, and more. When right-clicking on the taskbar icon, we were a little put off by the long list of extra tools that require you to … Read more

A reliable compression tool for folks wanting an alternative to WinZip, TurboZip is user friendly and easy to master. In previous versions, you needed to provide some minimal personal information to register the tool before it would install, but this requirement has been removed. The TurboZip interface has a familiar three-paned appearance similar to that of e-mail programs like Microsoft Outlook.

One pane lists the archives you've created; the second pane reveals a list of the files in the archive you select; and the third pane displays the contents of the file you choose, much like a preview pane. … Read more

The misleadingly named PIM is an adequate, but uninspiring archiving tool amid a sea of more capable multifunction utilities. However, what this program lacks in features, it makes up for in the power of its compression algorithm. It doesn't offer much in the way of an interface, relying on window menu items or an incomplete set of shortcut keys to access its functions.

PIM delivers on its promise of creating smaller compressed files (compared with a ZIP file), using its proprietary format, and it opened ZIP files as expected. Its minimal options/settings window lets you easily associate the … Read more

TechCrunch calls Facebook's new Application Verification Program a "protection racket."

That's a bit harsh, but the marketing behind the move does smack of The Godfather: "Yes, my son, you could use that unverified application, but you don't want to get hurt, do you?" TechCrunch's take:

Basically, application developers (there are 48,000 applications on Facebook today) can apply to become a verified app. If they pass, they get a badge and special placement in the application directory, plus increased communication limits with users, increased visibility in the news feed, and some free … Read more

You've seen her in the chat room, you've heard her voicemails, now get a chance to catch long time 404 listener Debbie from Toronto's guest appearance on the show. Besides being living proof that at least one attractive women listens to us, Debbie brings a certain je ne sais quoi to the regular morning banter. She gives us the skinny on the Great White North, talks about action movies and does some killer impressions.

Dan the Mantern here. Debbie certainly does The 404 today. Check out our Flickr set for Deb's visit. We think you'll appreciate how she keeps up with the guys and offers her own little Canadian charm to the mix. We nominate Debbie for the official president of "Women for the 404." Considering we're only aware of about five female listeners, she's got her work cut out for her. Thanks, Deb, for the ketchup flavored potato chips, the laughs and enabling us to make "eating poutin" jokes for a long time to come! And to all you 404 listeners, make our day, come to NYC and be a guest on the show!

Novice-friendly but with features for the expert and free archiving tools rarely cover all those bases, but PeaZip and PeaZip Portable hit back-to-back home runs.

Operating PeaZip is as easy as dragging files. Drop a ZIP file on the interface and PeaZip goes into decompression mode. Drop a regular file and it opens the archiving screen. Well-labeled buttons and simple functions make both processes quick and painless. Adding files and folders is also quickly accomplished using function buttons and traditional file browse tools.

Novice users will be able to use default settings to create well-made archives. Experienced users will like … Read more

This file-compression tool offers all the bells and whistles required by power users, while keeping the program easy enough for novices. Quick Zip's button and pull-down menu helps users by ghosting unavailable commands until they're applicable. The multipane interface makes it easy to see files, folders, and archive properties. An extensive Help manual should give inexperienced users everything needed to be program power users.

Numerous options and methods to use this application means a steep learning curve for those who want to master every feature. However, operating Quick Zip can be as easy as dragging files to the … Read more

Although it's ancient in Internet years, WinZip is still up and kicking. Among the various improvements and tweaks, the latest upgrade to Version 12 includes one massive reinvigorating feature: the WinZip folks have figured out how to compress JPEGs without sacrificing image quality.

The details on exactly how this is done remain a secret for now, although WinZip has promised to open up its compression algorithms as they've done in the past. On the user end of things, this means that ZIP files containing JPEGs will be more than just bundles of your photos--the archives will actually be … Read more