• Save all your media files as zip files with these zip programs.CD - DVD isolated image by Hector Fernandez from Fotolia.com
  
  Zip programs are worth downloading onto your computer because they can compress large files into a smaller size. The program helps store and open these files without taking up too much room on your computer's hard drive. Fortunately, some of the best zip programs are free and compatible with all versions of Microsoft Windows. Microsoft even created a zip program with enough sophistication that it charges a substantial fee for it.
  
  

ZipGenius Zip Utility

• This zip tool is one that lives up to its name, and even better because it's free. Produced in Italy, it's a suite that allows you to zip just about any file available. As of 2010, it can zip up to 20 different files including RAR, ACE and SQX files. Another attractive feature includes support for files from scanners and digital cameras. If you have Windows XP, you can extract files and compress them on a CD-R. Overall, you can work with just about any type of media, which is unlike all zip programs. It even helps you set up slide shows when you use the program in conjunction with digital camera uploads.
  
  

TUGZip Zip Utility

• Here you have another free zip utility that works with well with all versions of Windows. It covers just about every file from A to Z, or ACE to ZOO files. This program is marketed as a superior archiving tool and allows you to create larger archives. You can even extract multiple archived files at once by using its multi-extract feature to save you some time. Along with the basic features you get with most zip software, such as file rename, comments and virus scanning, one of the most impressive features is the ability to encrypt your archives using half a dozen algorithms provided with the software.
  
  

EnZip Zip Compression

• This is also free zip software that works well when integrated with Windows Explorer. It's also one of the most complete zip programs available for free. When used with Explorer, the program provides what they call an explorer tree that categorizes all your zip files downloaded across the Internet. Use this feature to find and save all your files in little time without having to search through your hard drive. As with TUGZip, you can encrypt many of your files, though you have to use passwords with EnZip. Another great feature is the ability to drag and drop files off Windows Explorer and into the program as an easy way to save and zip any multimedia file.
  
  

WinZip from Microsoft

• Although this software's price start at $29.95 as of 2010, Microsoft has designed one of the best zip programs in the world. But consider that you pay for high quality. This software helps you save and zip most zip files in existence along with capabilities of sharing those files across multiple platforms such as email or archival capability. As of 2010, Winzip 14.5 works with Windows 7 as well as a new interface resembling the style of Office 2010. WinZip also provides alternate versions such as WinZip Courier that allows you to zip email attachments with ease.