Sure we all know what WinZip is, and the fact is most of us already have known what WinRar might be as well.  Why the heck would we be writing about software that has been around for what seems like forever? There are a lot of different compression software options out there and they all really have the same purpose, compression.  Why would people need this for?  Let us tell you a few reasons.  Compression works better on some files better than others, and is an effective way to send multiple files, say photos or documents in a single file especially over the internet.

Windows started including the feature in its operating system starting with Windows XP, previously to that people had to download WinZip or a free alternative to either open or make their own compressed file archives.  Today, with the evolution of broadband high speed internet zipped files are making a comeback! Specifically, the winrar program achieves the same thing WinZip does in that they both create a compressed archive, and you need winrar to open it just like Winzip but Winrar is far more efficient and a lot easier to use.  Below are a few reasons why we like it better.

1.Compression is better, makes files even smaller
2.Security Is A Lot Easier To Use
3.Can Read Both Zip and RAR files
4.Less ad’s and easier to use

With everyone getting more and more bandwidth to send and receive files especially via email things like photos, leases, and even legal contracts are being sent by email. One big advantage of using a program like WinRar is you can secure the file with a password only you and the recipient know.

A general rule of thumb to follow is to of course not send it in the same email of course.  Here are some measures we suggest you take to secure files that you choose to email.  Remember, when you send email it sticks many places, your computer, your sent items folder, their inbox, and wherever they choose to download it to.

1.Compress & Password Protect Any Important Documents You Must Email
2.Name The File Something Obscure But Make Sure You Remember It (don’t call it secret files)
3.Write down or save the password somewhere safe so you have it later
4.Send the password information in a separate email not subjected “password” phone would be better

Sure these measures are no fort Knox but they will keep most novice snoopers out of your personal files.  Just remember to set a decent password so someone couldn’t easily figure it out.  There are more advanced ways to protect your files like encrypting them first but for most cases this is just fine.  If something is just too secure it’s still OK to fax things, use word of mouth, or another form of more secure transfer.

A few screenshots to help you install everything, the first image is just the standard install screen.  All that needs to be done when installing WinRAR is click next a few times, there are not settings that you need to change.

The Huge List of Available Formats WinRar offers:Just leave it Default For Now:

Enable A Password:

When you create an archive you need to set the option for a password first, it is much easier than going back and having to deal with it.  First select the files you would like to archive, whether it be photo’s documents, or music.  Then select the advanced tab and hit the password button.  Simply type in what password you would like but make totally sure you have it stored somewhere safe or you remember what it is so you can access it later.