22 replies to this topic

[Canary]

I've been sent a file that has the extension .RAR. Is there any way of downloading what I need to open it, without paying for the privilege?

[Invictus]

http://www.tugzip.com/

[Greenknight]

If you don't need all the features in Tugzip, here's a small, simple utility for extracting a number of different file types including .rar : http://www.extractnow.com/

[Andavari]

The best way to unpack RAR archives is to use the official freeware UnRAR for Windows (or whatever OS you have), it's command-line but works like a charm.

[Ultimate Predator]

That TUGZip program is excellent -I was using ZIP Reader, but this is far better.

[Andavari]

Ultimate Predator, on Dec 15 2005, 03:37 AM, said:

That TUGZip program is excellent -I was using ZIP Reader, but this is far better.

TUGZip has been listed in the freeware thread for about 6 months now, originally posted by TwistedMetal.

[gr81]

Use WinRar Thats what I use

[Andavari]

I also use WinRAR, there's no replacement for it, at least that's what I think.

[Ultimate Predator]

TUGZip, does loads, far better.

[Andavari]

Maybe, but I use WinRAR to create all my backups in the .rar archive format. Also I use it's SFX RAR Module to make install scripts.

Edited by Andavari, 15 December 2005 - 07:21 PM.

[Ultimate Predator]

Sure, sure, I'm just saying for the basic PC user, TUG Zip is perfect, secind to PowerArchiver.

[Eldmannen]

RAR is an archive. It compresses many files and puts them together into an archive which is one file. That makes the file smaller while compressed. You can extract it if you want.

See Wikipedia article; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAR

You can use 7-Zip for extracting RAR archives. www.7-zip.org
It is a completly free archiver.

[JohnDemolition]

i use 7-Zip too . im quite amazed at how the 7z format compresses better than the rar format

[rridgely]

Come on guys Zip Genius is where its at. It uses every format I can think of as well.

Quote

ZipGenius is a powerful zip tool that offers support for more than 20 different compression formats, including 7zip, ZIP64, UPX and many others. It supports drag and drop, 5 compression levels, full customization and integration in Windows Explorer. The program also comes with a built in FTP client that allows to download and upload files from within the software. The signature features allows you to add your signature and contact information to any zip file you create. ZipGenius also supports the creation of self-extracting exe files, complete with custom setup launch and icon. ZipGenius also comes with additional features like encryption, scanner support (acquire pictures and zip them into files), backup, statistics, download time calculator, disk spanning, file export, support for OpenOffice and more. It can also interact with your Pocket PC device. Very nice!

http://www.snapfiles.../zipgenius.html

[Greenknight]

You geeks can argue all you want about which archiver is best, I still say many computer users have no need of one, they just need to be able to extract compressed files. That's why I suggested ExtractNow, it's small, simple, and it only takes a minute to figure out how to use it.

[Ultimate Predator]

For most PC users, but I get all sorts of different files.....

[rridgely]

Greenknight, on Dec 16 2005, 08:36 AM, said:

You geeks can argue all you want about which archiver is best, I still say many computer users have no need of one, they just need to be able to extract compressed files. That's why I suggested ExtractNow, it's small, simple, and it only takes a minute to figure out how to use it.

Wow is someone a little bitter that they suggested a crappy program? /joke
We werent arguing either. We were answering this guys question about what program we use and why.

I think your wrong though, in this day and age where people send attachments in emails zip programs are widely used.(I send in my HW all the time zipped as an attachement).

[xd3vilx]

i myself use Winrar and no complain at all...if u want to use freeware than 7-Zip would be a good one...

[Greenknight]

rridgely, on Dec 16 2005, 11:22 AM, said:

Wow is someone a little bitter that they suggested a crappy program? /joke
We werent arguing either. We were answering this guys question about what program we use and why.

I think your wrong though, in this day and age where people send attachments in emails zip programs are widely used.(I send in my HW all the time zipped as an attachement).

The OP just asked for something free that could open .rar files, what programs you use and why was not part of the question.

While I found your debate pretty interesting, it went way beyond the scope of the request that started this thread. I just thought you guys needed to be reminded that there are a lot of computer users out there who are not very advanced, for some people the best program is the simplest program.

Nothing really wrong with this thread evolving into a discussion of which archiving program is best, but it's important to make sure that the person who was seeking assistance is helped, as the first order of business.

Go back and look at the original post, do you really think that person needs a program that can compress/decompress twenty different formats?

[Ultimate Predator]

Quote

for some people the best program is the simplest program.

That is true. But for me TUGZip is perfect...