Even with broadband speeds compressed files are a fact of life. Sometimes this is to reduce the time spent downloading files and sometimes this is to avoid retrictions on file types, such as email services not allowing program files as attachments.

jZip is particulary notable as it is a free compression utility that also supports .rar files, a format often lacking. It also supports the more commonly seen formats of Zip, 7z, TAR and GZip.

The interface is simpler than Winzip with basic tasks represented by large icons on the toolbar.

Compressed files can also be encrypted for extra security.

Versions for Mac and Linux are being planned.