WinZip, the most used file-compression & encryption software in the world is out with a new version, 14.5, which promises better compression rates, deeper context menu and OS integration, a brand new interface, better security, faster encryption, one-click features, and lots of customization options. Easy to use but feature-rich, WinZip 14.5 is perfect for both advanced and novice users. It runs on Windows 7, Vista, XP, and 2000.

What’s new?

Windows 7 Specific Features
With special emphasis on Windows 7, WinZip makes use of a number of features of Microsoft’s latest OS, including libraries, jump-lists, multi-touch support, and Windows Explorer preview (using the preview pane), as well as new common and task dialogs.

Libraries
WinZip supports Windows 7 libraries, which group together folders and files with a common theme regardless of where they reside. WinZip gives users the option of creating or opening Zip files within the libraries, allowing them to add files from libraries to a Zip file, or extract to a libraries, making it really easy for you to zip up similar files no matter where they are actually located.

WinZip Job Wizard
This lets you automate the compression of your libraries (which you can define) using jobs that you create or default jobs. Creating an Archive is easy, and available in all WinZip 14.5 Editions (Standard, Backup, Pro), but making a Backup library requires a Backup or Pro Edition.

Jump Lists
Using Windows 7’s start menu and taskbar icon jump lists, users have easy access to their documents and programs. WinZip allows you to pin the WinZip 14 icon to your taskbar or start menu for quick access to frequently used zip features, Zip files, and WinZip jobs. The taskbar functionality doesn’t end there, but also extends to the Windows 7’s taskbar progress meter, letting users see the progress of their compression while concentrating on other tasks.

Explorer Preview
Once users activate the preview pane in Windows 7 Explorer, they can view the contents of Zip files as well. Outlook 2007-10 will also provide the same option, within its own preview pane. Single files seen in the preview within the Zip file can be individually extracted and open as well.

Touch Screens
WinZip offers full support for Windows 7’s single-touch and multi-touch gestures, scrolling through Zip files, or even panning, zooming, and rotating images within the WinZip (Pro)'s built-in Image Viewer.

Common Dialogs and Task Dialogs
WinZip’s regular dialogs (such as New, Open, Add, and Extract) will use the Windows 7 style, providing users with easy filtering and organizational support for finding a user’s files and archives. New task dialogs also provide easy-to-follow instructions. So now users can add or extract easily and precisely, using the Organise and View features.

Read on to know more about WinZip 14.5's new features in various editions, compression types, and much more...