Author Topic: New Winzip will open rar archives (Read 25207 times)

tinyvillager · « **on:** October 19, 2006, 05:33 AM »

Source: http://news.com.com/...127325&subj=news

Cut and paste...

On Thursday, Corel's WinZip Computing division launched WinZip 11.0 beta, a test of the latest version of its popular zip-and-unzip software. New features include the ability to open BZ2 and RAR files, higher-quality compression for WAV sound files, and a new interface resembling Windows Explorer.

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Personally i'll stick with my Winrar but it's nice to see they've finally added this feature.
I didn't know Corel owned winzip.

mouser · « **Reply #1 on:** October 19, 2006, 05:35 AM »

sounds cool, i still use winzip sometimes.

Lashiec · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2006, 07:00 AM »

I didn't know Corel owned winzip.
-tinyvillager (October 19, 2006, 05:33 AM)

Well, I think it's not exactly Corel owning WinZip Computing. I mean, they actually own it, but it's due to the acquisition of Corel by this obscure company called Venture Capital. Since then, Corel has bought some important companies, like Jasc or InterVideo. Some years ago, no one would bet on WinZip being part of Corel

Anyway, this detours from the main topic. Although they finally implemented RAR support, this does not make WinZip any better. Let's see how they handle the new interface design, but I don't like that higher compression for WAV files. I'm tired of WinZip implementing proprietary compression algorithms, like the ones implemented in the ZIP specification on WinZip 10

Carol Haynes · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2006, 08:13 AM »

Can;t help hearing the bell toll for numerous companies - Corel seems to be the deathbed of most acquisitions ...

I didn't realise they had acquired InterVideo .... boo hoo

Renegade · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2006, 08:24 AM »

I'm tired of WinZip implementing proprietary compression algorithms, like the ones implemented in the ZIP specification on WinZip 10
-Lashiec (October 19, 2006, 07:00 AM)

Amen! It was a bad idea to extend the ZIP format like they did. For most purposes, the standard zip spec works perfectly fine. There are other formats that can handle very large archives (ALZ, RAR) so that was covered. Adding AES encryption... well... There were already other solutions to the problem of file encryption.

They broke compatibility for a standardized open format, and that just creates pain for users.

It was a different case when RAR was extended because that's a proprietary format. RarSoft is perfectly suited to extend RAR. Joe Blow isn't in a position to extend a well accepted standard. If anyone were to do it, PKWare should have been the one to release a ZIP 3.0 spec.

But when you're big, you get to pretty much do what you want to do. Look at MS and how McAffee and Symantec and Adobe are whining about them. MS gets to do what they want. Nah. That's a bad example. MS is right and the whiners are wrong. GO BILL~! (And Ray and Steve too!)

JavaJones · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2006, 12:48 PM »

HAHAHAHAHA. Winzip finally adds this feature about 5+ years after *every other archiver on the planet* has had it, including tons and tons of free ones. Seriously, where do they get off charging $30-50 bucks for Winzip? I simply do not understand it. Shocking.

- Oshyan

mrainey · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2006, 01:29 PM »

I've used v8 for years. At least through that version, you never had to actually pay if you didn't want to (I did). An unregistered copy would simply open with a reminder screen.

I like the program, always have.

JavaJones · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2006, 02:05 PM »

Yeah, I've seen many, many systems where people just get by with the reminder screen all the time. My question is Why bother? What's so great about Winzip that isn't equalled (or IMO mostly bettered) in other free applications? Its basic UI is fine, but the wizard system is awful - at least last time I tried it. And other archiving apps have similar base UI's (Zipgenius has a mode like that). I'm not saying Winzip isn't a valid choice - people can spend their money on whatever is of value to them - I just don't personally see much value in it at all.

- Oshyan

f0dder · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2006, 05:48 PM »

Never liked WinZip... annoying interface, and zip is limited compared to the other archivers. Go WinRAR, nice and fast and clean and quality russian code ^_^

allen · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2006, 08:09 PM »

I registered winzip way, way back in the day -- back when a registered user got a floppy in the mail with the registered version on it. Years and years before anyone else paid for it. And apparently before they started keeping track of records. Their thanks to me for paying when I didn't have to is being forced to pay full price to upgrade. So niko-mac can kiss my ass. There's no way in hell I'm paying 50 dollars for command line support. 7-zip will suit me just fine.

zridling · « **Reply #10 on:** October 20, 2006, 12:30 AM »

[allen]: SO NIKO-MAC CAN KISS MY ASS. THERE'S NO WAY IN HELL I'M PAYING 50 DOLLARS FOR COMMAND LINE SUPPORT.

I second that emotion. Based on the archive tools review I did here last year after WinZip 10 hit the scene, I was dumbfounded at their PPMd format, which was like introducing a new file format beyond Word and OpenOffice. Adding RAR extraction only now is hilarious. And Corel has no business buying a company like WinZip. I walked away with four great ones:

(1) WinRAR with its Lifetime license;
(2) The Open Source 7-Zip;
(3) PowerArchiver; or
(4) Squeez archiver

$50 for the full WinZip is like saying Uncle Fred has a "nice" toupee.

Carol Haynes · « **Reply #11 on:** October 20, 2006, 03:29 AM »

(1) WinRAR with its Lifetime license;
-zridling (October 20, 2006, 12:30 AM)

I agree on WinZip (but I think Corel bought it from the company that previous acquired it from WinZip not as a first purchase - whcih suggests the current financial model isn't working).

As for lifetime licences ... I still have a lifetime license for WinZip - much good may it do me now that the issuer isn't running the show any more!

Lashiec · « **Reply #12 on:** October 20, 2006, 06:32 AM »

Yes, the natural evolution of WinZip is PowerArchiver. And it's an excellent program. Those wishing more, go for WinRAR. It's the leader without discussion, and I suspect it'll be forever, since lots of its features are not present in any other archiver nowadays.

Mizraim · « **Reply #13 on:** October 20, 2006, 07:53 AM »

I always change the extentions from .zip to .rar, I have yet to see any problems come from this.
I saved 15% by switching to WinRAR.

Renegade · « **Reply #14 on:** October 21, 2006, 12:28 PM »

...Those wishing more, go for WinRAR. It's the leader without discussion, and I suspect it'll be forever...
-Lashiec (October 20, 2006, 06:32 AM)

Grrr... (That's not directed at you - long story.) Not if I get my way... I'm still hammering away for features I want at the day job. (And I've been hammering away for a long time, but it looks like I've finally made some people "see the light". Time will tell.)

Lashiec · « **Reply #15 on:** October 26, 2006, 06:41 AM »

By the way: http://www.hydrogena....php?showtopic=49526

Grrr... (That's not directed at you - long story.) Not if I get my way... I'm still hammering away for features I want at the day job. (And I've been hammering away for a long time, but it looks like I've finally made some people "see the light". Time will tell.)
-Renegade (October 21, 2006, 12:28 PM)

Ummmm... OK?

Renegade · « **Reply #16 on:** October 26, 2006, 11:09 AM »

Grrr... (That's not directed at you - long story.) Not if I get my way... I'm still hammering away for features I want at the day job. (And I've been hammering away for a long time, but it looks like I've finally made some people "see the light". Time will tell.)
-Renegade (October 21, 2006, 12:28 PM)

Ummmm... OK?
-Lashiec (October 26, 2006, 06:41 AM)

Good mother of God... You have no idea how frustrating working in the ROK can be... I simply can't post anything here as it's not possible without profanity. And lots of it.

Tekzel · « **Reply #17 on:** October 26, 2006, 07:26 PM »

Funny. WinZip. Do they still think they are relevant? Do people actually pay for that crap?

I use TugZip, love it. Better than WinZip and free.

Renegade · « **Reply #18 on:** October 26, 2006, 10:38 PM »

Do people actually pay for that crap?
-Tekzel (October 26, 2006, 07:26 PM)

Yep. When you run a company, and need things to work, it's cheaper to pay for software than to try and use something that's free (very often anyways). It all boils down to time saved with support. Commercial software is usually better and you can expect support (usually - not always).

JavaJones · « **Reply #19 on:** October 26, 2006, 10:39 PM »

Sure, maybe the support is worth it. But at least buy a *decent* commercial app. WinRAR stomps all over WinZip.

- Oshyan

Renegade · « **Reply #20 on:** October 26, 2006, 11:15 PM »

Burak does a good job with WinRar. And I agree - WinRar is much superior to WinZip.

Speaking of... I need to check out the WinZip 11 beta. I'll probably get to that on Monday if I finish this round of promotions. Speaking of... Got to hop over to the other forum

Lashiec · « **Reply #21 on:** October 27, 2006, 02:06 PM »

Renegade, sorry, but I have absolutely no idea about what you're talking about

mwb1100 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 27, 2006, 06:28 PM »

[(but I think Corel bought it from the company that previous acquired it from WinZip not as a first purchase - whcih suggests the current financial model isn't working)
-Carol Haynes (October 20, 2006, 03:29 AM)

More along the other way around (sort of) - in 2003 Vector Capital bought Corel, then in 2005 Vector Capital bought WinZip and put it under the Corel umbrella:

http://news.com.com/WinZip+purchased+by+turnaround+specialist/2100-1046_3-5790830.html

Carol Haynes · « **Reply #23 on:** October 28, 2006, 05:04 AM »

Ah right - it all gets very confusing with everyone buying each other

john_hammond · « **Reply #24 on:** November 01, 2006, 04:39 AM »

Personally, I prefer WinRAR and even if there is RAR support in WinZip, I'll still use WinRAR. IMO, the only advantage of WinZip is the more elegant UI, but WinRAR is fine too.