WINDOWS WARES free and open source 3

Part 3

UTILITIES

Rarely as sexy as other applications. Utility tools and programs are infinitely valuable on any system.

ARCHIVING & FILE MANAGEMENT

7-zip

An (almost) unrivaled archiving and compression application. From my experience the 7z compression format tends to offer one of the best compression rates. While you will specifically need 7-zip to open the file in the future this "con" is paled by the "pros" of the supported formats, low system overhead and encryption support for 7z and ZIP files. It offers great integration within windows and for those with the moxy to jump into the command line, it offers options there as well. Though the GUI lacks some of the friendliness of others, its shear power is worth it.

Zip Genius

Another free file compression software suite, with an emphasis on "Suite", ZipGenius offers a warm and fuzzy graphical interface that can allow even the most inexperienced user the ability to reclaim drive space. It too handles an array of formats (ZIP, RAR, LHA, TAR, RPM, CAB, & ACE to name just a few). Add that to the fact that it offers some slick options for handling and pictures, support for images from TWAIN devices. Like 7-zip it allows multiple encryption options for your archived folders/files. And unlike the former is "skinable" giving even more latitude on the user interface. With its Add-ons giving the you FTP support, "Scan & Zip", the ability to "cut" large archive files into smaller parts, production of self-extracting files, and the conversion of ZIP to ISO format ZipGenius truly is a sweet utility suite.

Foldersize

the one

Ext2FSD

For the Linux/UNIX users out there looking to use there ext2 disks/partitions in windows Ext2 File System Driver opens read/write support when your stuck in a windows world. All in all a handy tool with limited uses. But if you need it, you'll love it.