SimpleZIP

SimpleZIP is yet another application aiming to offer users a simple way to compress and open files in an archive. It's simple and not really imaginative. It is difficult to be inventive in this particular sector, so it would prove quite difficult for someone to actually come up with a really fresh idea when designing such an application. While it might not be a convincing program, it does function well and even includes some neat options.

Since the main purpose of the app is dealing with archives, as the name suggests, there is really little you can talk about, other than this main function. The app can create ZIP, GZIP, TAR+GZIP, TAR+BZIP2, and TAR+LZIP (LZMA) files and can extract files in archive formats identical to those it creates with the addition of RAR4 and BZIP2 formats. As far as functionality is concerned, all you have to do is open the file with the program and assign a packing or unpacking job.

The application can also show the hash code for any archive. This means that you'll basically be able to check file integrity upon download. Extra options in this particular area include the ability to use lower case hash and to display the file's attached location. These are great features for checking files you download before you go ahead and unpack them. The chance of encountering a virus during the unpacking procedure will be significantly lower.

SimpleZIP is without a doubt an application that needs to evolve a little more before even dreaming about measuring its strength with other similar apps. The fact that it is open source and free does improve its image generally. Still, if you can't really have a lot of diversity, the fact that it does not require investments isn't necessarily something go by.