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Zip Genius by M.Dev Software |
Take a peek at this compression utility!! Zip Genius is a monster for dealing with compressed files! Plus (as usual!) this program has a few additions that may knock your socks off! |
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download HERE! |
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Zip Genius by M.Dev Software Just about everyone knows that data compression is a necessary part of computer work. There are many utilities that will make this process easy but Zip Genius makes it a true pleasure with a great interface, automation, and a basic FTP program! Enough lip, let's get right to it................ Platform ........ Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, NT and XP Web Site.......... This site is rather fancy and gets right to the point using macromedia, animated gifs and java to get your attention. Complete with sites in Italian and Spanish, the English section of the site is menu driven and allows you to view screenshots, join the forum, awards, contacts and of course, the download area. Very professional!! Downloading........ Size Downloaded: a bit over 4 megs Size Installed: 4.5 megs, not including system files No problem on the download. Full speed ahead!! Installation.......... The download is an .exe file. Clicking on the file starts the basic installer. Again, just follow the prompts and you'll be all set. The program links to your file managers so that it will associate itself with compression files on your system. This can be adjusted in the program via the Tools / Options area. Help Files.......... First of all, the web site has a forum you can join to ask obtain information about the program and to get the latest news on their updates. From what I saw, it seems to get quite a bit of use. Next, there is about 25 tooltips which pop up when you first start the program. Of course, you can shut this off when you get tired of reading them. The program's help system is clear, concise, easy to read and uses the standard searching techniques. Interface............. Opening Zip Genius will give you the basic layout of the program after you install. Notice that it has that XP look. There are quite a few options to change the look such as large icons, grid separation, filters, folders split view plus more! Here's a pic of the way I have the program configured on my computer:
The display is very orderly and has been designed in a systematic fashion, as are many of the other freeware zip managers. The "Options" area is found in the "Tools" menu and gives you lots and lots of options to make your Zip Genius work the way you want it to. Here is where you'll find the file association area, display setting etc. Here's a pic of the options display showing you just a few of the many options:
A great interface feature of Zip Genius is the window showing the statistics of the files you might be working with. The display features pie charts listing the least and most compressed file in the archive, as well as medium compression, folders and required disk space. Here's a pic of that window:
Zip Genius places a small icon in your task bar, associates itself with your compression files on your computer and places menu choices when you right click in your file manager (I use Turbo Navigator!). Oh, and if you open up the program without using a file, Zip Genius starts up with a friendly personal greeting depending on the time of day. There's nothing like having your compression program giving you a "good morning" first thing in the day!! :) Features ........... Zip Genius is loaded with lots of great features that will make working with compression files a breeze, even for the first timer. It comes complete with the "First Step" feature which can be accessed easily by using the F1 key. From here you can pick exactly which process you wish to perform, and the wizard will completely guide you through the whole process. Here's a pic of one of the process screens:
The process is explained fully with each step and the final compression process is really fast. I was able to compress 57 .tif picture files in almost an instant (well, maybe about 8 seconds!). Zip Genius lets you make .exe files, allows multivolume compression, is available in English or Italian language, adds an expert layout that gives added choices, auto signature and commenting, and "Cryptozip" which is a way to encrypt your compression files!! Lots of stuff!! Another great added feature is the presets for actually making backups of your most important directories and files on your system! Clicking the "Backup" menu area shows choices like, Windows Registry files, Font Folder, Outlook Express Messages and more!! As you can see, there's lots going for this freebie! An Added Feature ........... As if all of that good stuff wasn't enough, Zip Genius gives you an extra punch! Build into it is a nice and simple FTP program which works very well. As i mentioned earlier, I was in the market for a free and small FTP program due to a recent problem with another program I was using to transfer my files to my web site. Now mind you, this is NOTa full featured FTP program such as LeechFTP, but it's a nice addition and works. Here's a pic of it:
Problems....... I have been using Zip Genius for the better part of a month and I have yet to find fault. I noticed that when I have 4 or more programs running, I get a bit of a stall at first, but this smooths out quickly. There is constant support for this program via the Forum on their web site and bugs are fixed immediately. As I stated, I have yet to use ALL of what Zip Genius offers in features, but I have yet to have a problem. In Closing ..........
Buzzy J |
