There are a lot of programs that you get to use every day, and even if you are a beginner, you would be amazed when counting the applications you depend on - at least a Web browser, a media player, a messaging client, a file manager and, of course, an archiver, but the list doesn't end here. For me, this is enough, because I got to my next target: an archiving tool.

Today's archiver is called IZArc, and its latest version is 3.6, build 1260. There's absolutely no limitation to face, since this program is completely free to download and use. Its setup package has 3.4MB in size and installing the application is something that everybody should be able to do without any problem. These being said, the time has come to move on and discover as much as possible about this program's interface and features, as usual...

But...what do I see here? Yet another WinZip clone? Although IZArc may look like WinZip, there's a lot more to it. Its interface is easy to use, well organized and highly customizable, being able to use a classic view or an explorer-like interface. Even more, the Toolbar buttons' looks can be changed as you wish, because the program comes with enough skins to make it interesting. All in all, the interface of this program looks great and I had no problem with it.

Moving on, I guess there are some things that need to be settled, and the first one is the amount of file types that can be handled by IZArc. The full list is three lines long, and all major archive formats can be found inside it - 7Z, ACE, ARJ, RAR, CAB and, of course, ZIP. Even more, this program can open and convert CD/DVD images - ISO, BIN, MDF or NRG. Is this awesome or what?

Are you crazy about shell extensions? I am not, but I must admit that they can help you speed up your daily work, and IZArc can integrate into the Windows shell without any problems. Drag and drop operations are another useful time saver, and they are fully supported by this program.

If you're looking for wizards as we all know them, you won't find them here, but that shouldn't scare anyone, because all the tools available here are very easy to use. Your archives can be sent through email, converted, encrypted, repaired or scanned for viruses using an external virus scanner that can be chosen in the Program Locations area of the Options window.

The archiving method and compression level can be set manually, but unfortunately, you are not able to set the dictionary size. The compression levels available are Super Fast, Fast, Normal or Maximal.

If you are afraid of losing your settings, don't worry! The program's settings can be exported for later use, and if you're not comfortable with the English language, no problem! This program's language support is excellent, since it even includes Esperanto, Euskara, Bahara and different dialects of other languages.

Do I have to say more to prove that this program is an excellent choice? Oh, yeah, the conclusions...

The Good

IZArc is easy to use, fast, highly customizable and has a lot of useful features, and a decent documentation. Its interface is skinnable and - guess what? - it comes for free!

The Bad

I am waiting for the day when this program will be able to cook, because I can't think of any archiving related task that it can't perform...

The Truth

Too bad I have found 7-Zip first, because IZArc is really near that one, and I must say that it was a real pleasure trying it. No matter what archiver(s) you are already using, IZArc is a "must try" for sure. If you'll like it, keeping it won't cost you a single penny. Is this a great deal or what?

Here are some snapshots of the application in action: