Introduction
In the past before the invention of computers people used to rely on books and other written materials as a way of storing their information. This in turn led to the accumulation of materials that were difficult to refer to when the need arose because it was an uphill task retrieving such information from books that were not properly stored. As a result scientists of the time began to think of how they could have the bulk information stored in such a way that anyone wishing to access it did not have to hustle a lot. This is what slowly to the invention of computers as a tool for storage although they were used for other purposes later on. When computers came it was found that it had to be installed with some programs that helped it perform more tasks at the same time and faster.
History of WinZip and WinRAR files
WinZip Computing Company is the producer of WinZip software that has been used as a file compressor and archiver for both Microsoft Windows and the Mac OSX. Harlan (2011 p 320) has argued that in the initial version for Windows that was released in April 1991 it was available as WinZip 1.0. It is worth noting that earlier on in 1989; Phil Katz had invented on behalf of MS-Dos a Zip archive format that had been referred to as PKZIP. After this production, there have been other subsequent production with each one being an improvement of the earlier version. Chris (2008 p 429) contends that WinZip 2.0 for example had some features that WinZip lacked and therefore could be tasked in assisting with the performance of extra work load that could not be carried out when using WinZip 1.0. He argues that some of the features in the WinZip 2.0 were the dialog box that was used to show the paths and the names of the files of all the external programs. In addition, this version allowed one to scan the viruses in the system something that lacked in the earlier version.
Harlan (2011 p 321) has noted that with more modifications the WinZip 3.0 version could perform more sophisticated tasks than the previous version. He gives an example of its ability to extract files in a subdirectory manner something that the previous versions failed to achieve. Other versions that have been produced ever since include the following; WinZip 3.1, WinZip 3.2, WinZip 4.0, WinZip 5.0, 5.5, and 5.6, WinZip 6.0, WinZip 6.0a, WinZip 7.0, WinZip 8.0, WinZip 8.1, WinZip 9.0, WinZip 10, WinZip 11, 11.1, and 11.2, WinZip 12 and 12.1, WinZip 14 and 14.5, WinZip 15 which is the latest version. It is good to observe that WinZip 13 was never produced. The latest version for example Chris (2008 p 430) argues that it has facilitated a new and better output in all aspects of its performance. RAR files use the same technology as the ZIP which is to compress a huge amount of information and put it in one package. This file has become a darling of many internet users because it can put together many huge files into just a small package that can be used or sent when using the internet. In use today there are three types of these kinds of files. They are classified as RAR, RAR2, and RAR 3. The first two have been noted to be compatible unlike the RAR 3 which isn’t compatible with either of the other two.
One of the noted benefits of using this file is that one is able to save a lot of time because once the large files are compressed the files are very small and easy to use especially when they are to be available over the internet. They become easier to open thus saving on time. They are also secured thus no worry of them being tampered with by those who may use it.
Features of WinZip and WinRAR files
For any program to perform as required it must have some of those features that make it perform excellently. Jones (2000, p 42) has noted that some of the important features in the WinZip and WinRAR files are; they give the people using their updates without having to cough an extra coin. In addition, they have a very integrated FTP upload and also they have in-built automation of backup chores. He adds that these files do have with them features that allow them to write ZIP archives to CD as well as the DVDs besides the email ZIP archives.
Advantages of using WinZip and WinRAR files
According to Wally (2004 p.232), one of the advantage of using these kind of files is that a person is able to have very many large files compressed in one and small package which he or she can use especially over the internet. This is because the files are easily handled as a result of being compressed. In doing so the files becomes easier and faster to transfer from one place to another within the internet. In the long run this saves time and money. He also points out that another advantage of using this kind of file is that it gives a person a chance to put aside different kind of information and data in the volumes one require. This is a very special feature because the person can separate what he or she does not want from an available data with ease. These files are also known to have a high level of encryption which therefore imply that any files that is made available in the internet in this kind of files will be safe since it is not likely to be tampered with in a way that it is going to change the quality of its content. Jones (2000 p45) contends that WinZip and WinRAR files are very friendly in that anyone using such files can create different folders where he or she can store materials according to the way they want. Furthermore when one is using these files it becomes a very easy task to archive and categorize files.
Disadvantages of using WinZip and WinRAR files
According to Eduard (2007 p 121) although there are many advantages of using these files they too just like any other invention has its own disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages he cites include the following; at first he states that if used for the wrong reason these files can be used to get and distribute unlawfully a lot of copyrighted. When this happens the author of certain works is denied revenue that may come as a result of people purchasing his work through the internet. Chris (2008, p.432) has noted that these files may with time become large and hence they may require more time to zip and unzip. In addition he says that some of these files may be problematic if they can be sent through email.
Conclusion
As people technologically it has been found that more and more information is being reduced in terms of how it is stored. Previously, it was stored in form books and other materials which proved over time to be an effective way. As technology improved we have seen that storing information in the computers and more so in the internet is proving to be gaining popularity among many internet users. Today nearly all the information a person may need is easily accessible in the internet.
Reference List
Chris, F., 2008. Microsoft Windows Vista. Berkeley: Peachpit Press.
Eduard, G. A., 2007.The Computer Manual. Burlingto: Alin Eduard Grecea.
Harlan, C., 2011.Windows Registry Forensics: Advanced Digital Forensic Analysis of the Windows Registry. Burlington: Elsevier.
Jones, D., 2000. How to do everything with internet. New York: Osborne/McGraw-Hill.
Wally, W., 2004. Steal this file sharing book: what they won’t tell you about file sharing. San Francisco: No Starch Press.