Depending on the level at which the encryption is applied, you may have to enter the decryption password to show the folder and file names of the archived elements. If required, 7-Zip encryption can be used for individual files or entire directory structures. 7-Zip is a free WinZip alternative for Windows and Mac devices that can compress a group of files into containers called ‘archives.’ Igor Pavlov developed the software in 1999. It can also extract program archives like Microsoft Cabinet, Windows Installer files and application files. The zipping program can also unzip archives with the endings. 7-Zip also allows users to zip and unzip files in the following file formats:ħ-Zip uses a powerful proprietary encryption algorithm to compress files, sacrificing compression speed for compression quality. It is purely a container format with a modular and open structure. The WinRAR alternative creates zip archives in the proprietary 7-Zip format, indicated by the file ending. In 2007, the program won SourceForge’s award as best open source project.

7-Zip is freeware for zipping and unzipping files and has been around since 1999.

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