Question of interest (.7z)

[LPChip]

Since a while, there's the ability to use 7-Zip to compress files. Its a freeware archiver that can extract RAR files but even better, it can compress to .7z with a better ratio than .rar files can archieve.

It can also compress to .zip and .lha but zip is a famous and most supported type which is in this case important.



I'm curious who of you guys actually is able to unzip a .7z file. The reason is because I'm thinking of using .7z files as compression type. For the compo, I used a 7z-self extracting archive, and zipped it in for download compatibility, but I'd rather zip it to .7z at once.

So please vote

[Sam_Zen]

I'm very content with the compressing abilities of Total Commander, no need for Winzip or Winrar. But if I would encounter .7z files often, I would add that format to the options. Any URL of that freeware archiver ?

[residentgrey]

7-Zip

[Sam_Zen]

Thanks. Got it. It has a GUI with file manager, but also a command-line executable. Very nice.

[rncekel]

In fact, I didn't know anything about the .7z format until I read this. But I have seen that also Winrar can decompressed it. Although 7-zip it's better, as it can also compress to that format and it is free.

[pelya]

EXE file - even self-extracting 7z archive - is bad IMHO, 'cause when I download EXE file from any internet source except chosen hosts like SourceForge.org I think "Aha, VIRUS/ADWARE inside!". So it's better to have 7z archive instead of EXE and a link to 7-Zip page.

[LPChip]

EXE file - even self-extracting 7z archive - is bad IMHO, 'cause when I download EXE file from any internet source except chosen hosts like SourceForge.org I think "Aha, VIRUS/ADWARE inside!". So it's better to have 7z archive instead of EXE and a link to 7-Zip page.

I hear ya.

If I don't know the source I usually hestitate about opening an exe file.

In this case, everyone knows me (so they all have spyware on there pc now no, just kidding )

but for releasing music, it is good to know that I can just 7-Zip it. Ofcource I'll add a link to 7zip.org and add that winrar 3.61 supports 7z files too.

[Snu]

i can open 7zip files, i quite like the 7zip program... but i dont really see the point of using 7z files, they arent that much better than zip, and zip is universal.

also btw, using self extracting archives is bad for those who arent running windows.

[Relabsoluness]

EXE file - even self-extracting 7z archive - is bad IMHO, 'cause when I download EXE file from any internet source except chosen hosts like SourceForge.org I think "Aha, VIRUS/ADWARE inside!". So it's better to have 7z archive instead of EXE and a link to 7-Zip page.

I'm also quite hesitant opening exe-files, even (or especially ) if it appears to came from LPChip.

[LPChip]

also btw, using self extracting archives is bad for those who arent running windows.

Actually, you can unpack a 7-Zip exe file using 7zip, and probably with winrar too, but then again, winrar is typically for windows


As for the difference in compression beteen zip and 7z, I must say that its very good in certain cases, but even if it'd be only 20k, it are still 20k. All tiny bits help if you have a small webserver or are on a slow internet connection.

The only big difference is that 7z compresses lots of files better than rar.

[Sam_Zen]

In the meantime I found a TC packer plugin for .7z, so I even don't need the 7-zip app itself :
http://www.totalcmd.net/plugring/7zip_plugin.html
I guess so far I will use it to be able to unpack things, or, if its worth it concerning filesize, for own archiving.
If I want to communicate a compressed file in a common compatible way, I still have to use the .zip or .rar format.
Or, as in Japan, .lzh.

[Dictator]

PowerArchiver can handle almost all packed formats, including .7z

[Asharin]

I use 7zip, tis a great program, and unlike winrar, it works perfectly in Vista :p

[Saga Musix]

I don't have 7zip although i heared of it. but there's no need to switch as i allready have winrar

[xaimus]

7z would be fine; self-extracting Windows executables are pretty useless here.

I have to "file" the executable and then decompress it appropriately :((((