7Zip is a file archiver which offers the highest compression ratio currently available, using the 7z format. See the definition of archive.
It delivers compression results that are usually 30-50% better than standard ZIP, therefore producing a much smaller file than traditional ZIP files. Another commonly used program is Winzip, however the full version of this software is not free. See how to compress files using Winzip.
In addition, 7Zip also supports 7z, ZIP, CAB, RAR, ARJ, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, CPIO, RPM and DEB formats, so it can be used with all popular archive files as well.
The program also integrates into the Windows right-click menu. It can be associated with any of the supported formats and also offers command line support. Interface and additional features are fairly basic, but the compression ratio is outstanding.
To compress a file, simply right click on the actual file and the right click menu will appear. Choose to zip the file up from that menu.
