WinZip is sort of the Xerox/Kleenex of the compression world. While many geeks prefer alternate file compression utilities like 7-zip, TUGZip, or WinRar, you're more likely to find WinZip installed on any given office computer. And with the launch of WinZip 12, the developers have shown that they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Probably the biggest changes in WinZip 12 have to do with its handling of image files. WinZip now has the ability to compress JPEG files by up to 25% without any quality loss. There's also a new Zip from Camera Wizard that makes it easier to grab files directly from your digital camera without copying them to your hard drive first.

You can also edit images using the WinZip explorer window and send selected files via email or FTP with a click.

WinZip 12 also supports additional file formats. Users can now extract 7z files as well as CD and DVD ISO and IMG disk images.

[via CNet]

As far as compression utilities go, most distinctly fall into either very good or or very bad. ZipGenius, however, manages to somehow make it into the middle. It comes in two flavors: the suite and standard edition. Since the suite is filled with extras like a file-cutter and FTP add-on, we're going to focus on the core compression utility that comes with the standard edition.

First, let's start with the good. It does what it says it does. It supports up to 20 formats for decompression, including 7z, and can compress in about as many formats as most of its competitors. Its graphical interface is very "XP" in every sense of the word - which is nice if you like that look. Fortunately if you don't, there are skins available. The utility is straight-forward, easy to use, and best of all, free.

The bad: during the installation there is an irritating pop-up prompt after the license agreement that verifies that you are responsible for all damages as a result of using this program. Quite a turn-off. The fact that it even has skin support might seem like excess, considering that a compression utility is not something you spend a lot of time looking at unless you like compressing and decompressing stuff all day.

The worst part, however, is that there is nothing that really sets ZipGenius apart from its other competitors. 7-Zip and ALZip do almost everything as good or better than ZipGenius. But, that is not to say that ZipGenius isn't a fully fledged compression utility. In fact, if the other utilities weren't available, this might even be a good choice.

Overall, ZipGenius is okay. If you like a user-friendly interface and enjoy skinning your compression utility, ZipGenius might be for you. But if you're looking for pure function and power, the alternatives might prove more rewarding.