Table of Contents
Every computer user must have come across a situation where they needed to compress, encrypt or back up their files. In such scenarios, one of the popular options out there is WinZip Suite. WinZip has been around for years and has established its reputation mainly as a file compression and decompression tool. However, with the introduction of WinZip Suite, the company has expanded its product range to offer a more comprehensive solution for file management.
In this article, we are going to review WinZip Suite and examine if it’s worth the investment. We’ll take a closer look at its features, pros, and cons, competition, and finally give our thoughts on the software.
Video Tutorial:
What’s WinZip Suite?
WinZip Suite is a file management software developed by Corel Corporation, a company best known for developing popular software such as CorelDRAW, Pinnacle Studio, and WordPerfect. The software aims to provide a unified solution for file management needs for both personal and business users.
WinZip Suite includes several software modules that cater to different file management needs, such as file compression and decompression, file encryption, file backup, file sharing, and much more. It’s available in both Windows and Mac versions, and the pricing structure varies depending on the version selected.
Price:
WinZip Suite is available in two versions- Home edition and Pro edition. The Home edition will cost you $50 per year, while the Pro edition is priced at $70 per year. The Pro edition offers some additional features, such as file synchronization, cloud backup, and data protection, which justify the higher price. There’s also a trial version available for users who want to test the software before purchasing it.
Basics:
WinZip Suite comes bundled with several software modules that offer different functionalities for file management. Let’s take a closer look at some of these modules:
1. WinZip – The WinZip module is a file compression and decompression tool that lets you compress large files and folders into smaller archives. It supports all popular archive formats such as ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR, and ISO. WinZip also allows password protection and encryption of archives.
2. WinZip Courier – WinZip Courier is an email utility that integrates with Microsoft Outlook and helps you compress and send large files or folders through email. It also converts file attachments to PDF before sending to ensure compatibility.
3. WinZip Backup – WinZip Backup is a data backup utility that allows you to backup files and folders to external drives, CDs, DVDs, or cloud storage like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc. The software also includes automated backup scheduling and email notifications.
4. WinZip File Manager – The WinZip File Manager is a desktop file manager that allows you to browse, open, edit, move, or copy files across different locations on your PC, network, or cloud storage. It’s an alternative to the default Windows File Explorer and comes with additional features such as search, preview, and file tagging.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Comprehensive software suite for file management
- Supports all popular archive formats and encryptions
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Integration with popular email clients and cloud storage
- Backup scheduling and email notifications
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other software alternatives
- Certain features overlap with the default Windows applications
- Some users report issues with compression and decompression speeds
Our Thoughts on WinZip Suite
WinZip Suite is an excellent choice for users who are looking for a comprehensive software suite for file management. It’s packed with several features that cater to different file management needs, such as compression, encryption, backup, and sharing.
The simple and easy to use interface ensures that users, regardless of their technical expertise, can use the software efficiently. The integration with popular email clients and cloud storage further enhances its appeal to users.
However, the higher price compared to other software alternatives may deter potential users. Still, for users looking for a unified software solution for file management, WinZip Suite justifies the investment.
What WinZip Identifies
WinZip Suite identifies the need for a comprehensive file management software suite that can cater to different user requirements. It focuses on providing simplified and efficient solutions for tasks such as file compression, encryption, backup, and sharing.
By bundling several software modules under one suite, WinZip Suite eliminates the need for users to purchase different software for each requirement. The integration with popular email clients and cloud storage ensures that file management becomes even more convenient for users.
How to Use WinZip Suite?
Using WinZip Suite is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use some of its popular software modules:
WinZip:
- Select the files or folders you want to compress and open WinZip
- Click the ‘Zip’ button and select the archive format and encryption options
- Set the destination folder and click ‘OK’
WinZip Courier:
- Open Microsoft Outlook and compose a new email
- Click the ‘Zip and Email’ button and select the files or folders you want to send
- Click ‘Compose’ to add more recipient details and send the email
WinZip Backup:
- Open WinZip Backup and select the files or folders you want to backup
- Select the backup destination, backup schedule, and email notifications if required
- Click ‘Start Backup’ to initiate the backup process
WinZip File Manager:
- Open WinZip File Manager and browse through your files or folders
- Select the file or folder you want to edit, move, or copy
- Choose the option from the right-click menu or the toolbar buttons to perform the action
Alternatives to WinZip Suite
While WinZip Suite is undoubtedly one of the leading software suites for file management, several alternatives offer similar features and functionalities. Here are three alternatives to WinZip Suite:
1. 7-Zip – 7-Zip is a free open-source file compression and decompression tool that supports all popular archive formats and encryption. It has a simple and user-friendly interface and is compatible with all Windows versions.
2. PeaZip – PeaZip is another free file compression and archiving utility that supports over 200 archive formats. It comes with several advanced features such as file splitting, secure file deletion, and password-protect archives.
3. Ashampoo ZIP Pro – Ashampoo ZIP Pro is a complete file management suite that includes features such as file encryption, backup, and compression. It also includes additional features such as virtual disk creation and PDF conversion.
5 FAQs about WinZip Suite
Q1: Can I try WinZip Suite before purchasing it?
A: Yes, WinZip offers a trial version that allows you to test the software before purchasing it.
Q2: Can I use WinZip Suite on both Windows and Mac OS?
A: Yes, WinZip Suite is available for both Windows and Mac OS.
Q3: Is WinZip Suite better than the default Windows file management applications?
A: WinZip Suite offers several advanced features that are not available in the default Windows applications. However, certain functionalities may overlap.
Q4: Is WinZip Suite worth the investment?
A: The answer depends on the user’s requirements. For users looking for a comprehensive file management suite, WinZip Suite justifies the investment. However, for users with minimal file management needs, the software may not be necessary.
Q5: Can I purchase individual modules of WinZip Suite?
A: No, WinZip Suite is only available as a complete software suite and cannot be purchased as individual modules.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, WinZip Suite is a comprehensive and efficient file management software suite that offers several advanced features. With its integration with popular email clients and cloud storage, file management becomes even more convenient for users. While the higher price compared to other alternatives may be a drawback, WinZip Suite justifies the investment for users looking for a unified software solution for file management.