Advantages: Makes files smaller, and easier to transferr over the internet
Disadvantages: It is shareware

...WinZip is a piece of software that no one who uses a computer should be without. It compresses your files so that they take up less disk space. Smaller files are good because they are easier to transfer between computers on floppy disks, and don't take as long to send over the internet, therefore saving you money on your phone bill. Downloading WinZip doesn't take long. The file that you have to download is under a megabyte. Installation is straightforward. WinZip is shareware. They say that if you use it for more than 21 days you should register it for $29, which works out at around £21. Registering gets rid of the annoying pop up windows saying 'This is an evaluation copy'. However, WinZip will not stop working after 21 days. Compressing Files ----------------- There are a number of ways of compressing files. When you... Read review

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Advantages: Fast, efficient, safe data, portable, no extra power needed
Disadvantages: Pricey, noisy at PC startup

...Iomega are no doubt best known for their ZIP drives and disks. The ZIP disk is the best thing in file transfer since a floppy disk - it looks similar and is also used in the same way. Just stick the disk in the drive and start copying files just as you would with anything else! This review will focus on my external Zip250 drive, but also a little on the disks too. **ZIP Disks** Although they look similar and are roughly the same size, the disks themselves are much chunkier and heavier than floppy disks. However, the maximum capacity ones can store over 400x the amount you can on a floppy disk, which is very good. Providing you take care of them one disk can last a very long time -- I've had mine over 2 years now. They are generally pretty fast - copying a 50mb file will take just a few minutes. They're also very easy to use, no more... Read review

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Advantages: Get big files from A to B
Disadvantages: Pricy discs, possibly past it now...

...I believe my orginal review below was quite accurate, but times have changed now. If you simply want to transfer medium-sized files from computer to computer you're probably much better buying a USB pen drive these days. However, if you're looking for storing files of up to 100mb that will need editing or updating over a period of time, a Zip drive may still be of use. ----- So what exactly is a Zip drive? Well, simply put it's like a run-of-the-mill 3.5" floppy disc. The difference is that a Zip disc holds many times more data. A normal floppy holds 1.4Mb of files, while the Zip discs for this machine hold up to 100Mb. You can also get more expensive Zip drives which will handle 250Mb and even 750Mb of files. The main benefit of the Zip drive and any similar type of storage is their high capacity. If you're making, say... Read review

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Advantages: Free
Disadvantages: None

...Win Zip which I’m sure that all of you reading this opinion would have either used or at least seen is the typical piece of software used by the general public for general purpose use. Win Zip is the standard routine for Windows users to open ‘zip’ files on the intern