What is the best file compression freeware program?

[stevens]

I have an iso file that is about 750mb that i need to fit onto a 700mb cd. I have used Zip and Ace and the most that i can get file down too is 716mb. Are there are programs that can compress the file down to 700mb b/c i would really like to aviod buying those 800mb cds.

 

[ehanson]

Try WinRar. http://www.rarsoft.com/

The .rar format usually provides better compression ratios than either .ace or .zip formats. WinRar is shareware, but try it out and see how it does. If you still cannot get it uunder 700mb, try to split the file in half and spread it over two CDs. Good luck.

--
ehanson

 

[Chooco]

i second winrar but for another reason

with winrar you can actually SEE which folders are included in the zipped file. sounds useless right? hell no! i download lots of things for TFC which is a mod for Half-Life, if you unzip a map or some sounds in a zip file into the wrong folder it will clearly not work. here is whati see when i open a zip file in winrar: HERE
you can clearly see that the first folder contained is labelled "TFC" so i know i unzip it into the Half-Life folder. if i opened it in winzip i would see this: HERE
you see that it automaticaly skips over the first folder and into the first one that contains files in it so i have no clue where the the zip actually started......i may accidentaly extract this into the TFC folder to find out that the files went to the wrong place.

WinRAR all the way

 

[joohang]

I also recommend WinRAR.

 

[Haden]

If it's important to get it to 700Mb and with Winrar you won't achieve it, you can try RK.
However, for daily using Winrar is best program available.

 

[MikeMike]

also winrar trial can become free ware it tells you after 45 days (atleast mine) that you need to register instead of clicking ok or cancel just (x) out the little register window and you can now use it?? how bad of programming can they be?

 

[hardass]

winace is pretty good also

Website

 

[Chooco]

about winrar being registered......i have no idea man

this computer is WinXP Home, the thing has NEVER bugged me about registering winrar. my other computer is Win98SE and it bugs me to register EVERY TIME I OPEN A ZIP FILE!!!

methinks XP is better than 98

 

[Armitage]

Does bzip2 exist for windows?
It's free, and I get much better compression with it compared to gzip on Linux. I think gzip uses the same algorithm as winzip.