[Written Review] WinRAR 5.50 Review

WinRAR is a powerful windows archiver software that can create compressed files in both RAR and ZIP formats. It can also unpack most known file formats such as RAR, ZIP, ISO, CAB, 7ZIP and many more.

WinRAR is easier to use than many other archivers with the inclusion of a special "Wizard" mode which allows instant access to the basic archiving functions through a simple question and answer procedure. This avoids confusion in the early stages of use.

Homepage:

http://www.win-rar.com

Download and installation:

WinRAR is compatible with all windows versions, ( 32 and 64 bit versions). You can download the free trial version (2 Mb ) from the official website. Installation doesn’t need any skills only you need to specify file associations in the last step. You can try the program for free for 40 days with full features available. After the trial is over, you need to purchase a license to continue using the program. The license key will be sent to you after purchase, simply extract it in the installation folder to activate the program

The current version is 5.50 (August 14, 2017)

Key Features:

Archiving (Compression):



One of the main features of WinRAR is creating smaller archives from any folders or files in a fast and easy way. This will free much space on your hard disk and save your working time. WinRAR supports all popular compression formats such as RAR, ZIP, CAB, TAR, ISO, 7-Zipand many more. WinRAR supports files and archives more than 4 GB in size especially the 64 bit version. It is ideal for multimedia files and will automatically recognizes and select the best compression method. You can deal with compressed files in many ways including the command line.

In addition, you can easily split large sized archives into smaller sized files with specified volumes. This helps you to save them on several disks for example. It will also be easier to send via email

WinRAR has many archiving options which lets you select save location, archive name, split size and encryption with password. In addition, there are many compression methods including normal (default), good, best, fast and fastest. You can also specify the compression profile, update mode, archive format and many advanced options, for example test archive, lock archive, delete after archiving and many more options. Other compression options are categorized under other tabs such as advanced features, backup options, recovery options, add comments to your archive, options, the option to add or exclude files to your archive, and time (for example file time to store and process)





RAR5 Default Archive format:

RAR5 is the latest version of RAR format that was added added in WinRAR 5.0. It is characterized by strong AES-256 encryption , more efficient recovery record, in addition to larger dictionary sizes. All WinRAR versions lower than 5.0 (WinRAR 4.2 and lower) can't handle RAR5 format.

Extraction of compressed files:

You can decompress any archive format supported by the program. This is done using many ways such as the right context menu items; or use the program main window to open the archive then extract here or extract to specific location.

SFX tool: The program has a built-in feature which lets you easily create self-extracting archives using SFX tool. This allows you to send compressed files to any user with no archiving software needed to extract the contents.



Recovery record and recovery volumes allow to reconstruct even physically damaged archives so that you will not lose important information due to corrupted archives

Wizards Feature This feature will help you to create new archive or unpack (extract) any archive on your computer or add files to already present archive. The wizard is simple and easy to use, just select the option you need and follow the online steps







Encryption and Security Options:

You can encrypt your files with 256-bit strong encryption feature which is only available with RAR5 format. This can be done either during archive creation using the password button or for any existing archive on your computer. Simply use default password option in file menu and apply this password for all archives. RAR passwords can be stored in password manager using “organize passwords button”. You will be able to add master password and edit or delete any password. In the latest release the password dialog has been updated, and from now on there is the possibility to use a master password. The "Set master password" button in "Organize passwords" dialog can be used to encrypt saved password records and protect them from unauthorized access. In addition the usability of decompression dialog of password protected archives has been improved. If you enter wrong password, the app ask to enter a valid password instead of aborting extraction.

From version 5.50 on WinRAR uses AES-256 by default in CTR mode to encrypt ZIP archives as it is significantly more secure than the ZIP 2.0 legacy encryption algorithm.





Shell integration: so that you can use most of the program features via right context menu options. For example: You can extract, add to archive and many more





Other features:

Test and repair of archives



Convert archives into other supported formats and to SFX format which allows you to extract the archive with no need to use the program

Get information about the archive

Multilingual support (more than 50 languages supported)

Compatible with all windows versions including windows 10. For all Android users, the RAR for Android App is available on Google Play. The command line version of WinRAR is also available for Linux, FreeBSD and MAC OS X.

User Interface is very friendly, intuitive and easy to use. Interestingly you can download and use themes if you wish. The right context menu has many options that will be of help for you









The integrated virus scan and search feature are also good and useful for you. You can search for any files you need and specify security software to automatically scan compressed files for any threats



New Features:

For the full list of changes added in the new version, please visit here:

http://www.win-rar.com/whatsnew.html?&L=0

Settings:





Settings can be accessed under option menu. These includes general, compression, path, file list, viewer, security and integration. The general settings include the options that control toolbar, buttons, system, history, interface, logging. Compression settings include many options such as compression profiles, split volume sized, default folder for archives, default folder for extracted files. Path options include folder for temporary files (used with removable disc) and start up folder. Other settings includes file list (list type, style, files, selection and set font), viewer (for example; type whether Internal or external or associated program), security options (for example virus scanner, file types excluded from extraction ) and integration options (such as file types associated with the program, and context menu items).

Conclusion:

WinRAR is a professional easy to use archiving software with many options available. In addition to the native support for RAR and ZIP archives, many formats are supported including CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZ, ACE, UUE, BZ2, JAR, ISO, 7Z, XZ, Z archives. You can open and extract archived files and compress files for sparing HDD space and easy email transmission. All your files will be will organized and secure