This is the shareware evaluation version of Winzip. This is not free software. Users are hereby licensed to use this software for evaluation purposes without charge for a period of 21 days.
WinZip brings the convenience of Windows to the use of Zip files and other compression formats. Windows 95, NT, and Windows 3.1 versions are shipped on the same disk. WinZip features include:
Windows 95 support: WinZip includes long filename support and tight integration with the Windows 95 shell. Drag and drop to or from the Explorer, or zip and unzip without leaving the Explorer.
Internet support: WinZip features built-in support for popular Internet file formats: TAR, gzip, Unix compress, UUEncode, XXencode, BinHex, and MIME. ARJ, LZH, and ARC files are supported via external programs. You can use WinZip to access almost all the files you download from the Internet. In addition, the freely downloadable WinZip Internet Browser Support Add-On lets you download and open archives with one click using Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. WinZip interfaces to most virus scanners.
Built-in 100% PKZIP-compatible ZIP and UNZIP, including support for multi-disk Zip files (PKZIP and PKUNZIP are NOT required for any zipping or unzipping operations).
The WinZip Wizard: this optional feature uses the standard and familiar "wizard" interface to simplify the process of unzipping and installing software distributed in Zip files. The WinZip Wizard is not targeted at experienced users, but is ideal for the rapidly growing number of PC users getting started with Zip files. When these users gain confidence or want to use more advanced zipping features, the full WinZip Classic interface is just a click away.
Create files that unzip themselves: WinZip Self-Extractor Personal Edition is now included with WinZip. Self-extracting files are ideal for sending compressed files to others who may not own or know how to use file compression software.
WinZip is extremely easy to use! To open an archive simply double click on an archive listed in the File Manager or Explorer, drag and drop an archive onto WinZip, or use the standard Open dialog. The main WinZip window features a list box with the names, sizes, and date/time stamps of all files in the open archive. This list can be scrolled and sorted on any field. A tool bar provides fast access to commonly used actions. All options (including window size and position) can be saved and restored. Extensive contextsensitive help is always available.
Double clicking on a file in the main window has the same effect as double clicking in the File Manager or Explorer. First the file is extracted from the archive. If the file is executable, it is run. Otherwise, the file is opened by the appropriate application (for example, Windows Write for *.WRI files) based on standard Windows associations. Under Windows 3.1 WinZip's unique "Install/Uninstall Feature" makes it easy to install and uninstall software distributed in archives. This feature can save megabytes of disk space by tracking and removing all traces of an application. WinZip will run the installation program in an archive, give you a chance to try the program, and optionally offer to restore your system to its original state. The uninstall step can selectively remove folders, files, icons, or program groups created by an install program, and can restore any altered INI files. You have complete control over the uninstall process, and no changes are made without approval.
If an archive doesn't have an "install" or "setup" program you can use the CheckOut facility to easily try the files in the archive. The CheckOut facility will extract all files and create a program group with icons for all or some files. Just double click on an icon in the CheckOut group to view the corresponding file with the appropriate application. Later, WinZip will optionally delete the CheckOut files and program group.
The 32-bit version requires Windows 95 or Windows NT. While no other programs are required for basic operations involving ZIP, TAR, GZ, Z files, UUencoded, XXencode, BinHex, or MIME files, optional features require one or more external programs. See the online help for details.
