WinZip / WinRar Question?

[Szpixman]

A friend of mine has both WinZip & WinRar installed on his computer.  I have only WinRar on my computer
and figure it does everything WinZip does anyway, yet he claims that having both installed is better.  Would one of you kind, smart people help me settle this ?
Thanks in advance.   

[Deerpark]

There is no point in having both installed.
Winrar can handle the ZIP format plus many others so WinZip is redundant. Besides, compared to RAR ZIP is an inferior compression format. Only reason it still is around is because it is so widely supported. In fact Windows XP and Vista have built in support for the ZIP format, so on those systems WinZip is completely useless.
Out of curiosity, what is your friend's argument for having both installed?

[Szpixman]

Thank you for settling our little debate...I  don't think he believes that WinRar will handle old Zip files for
some reason, or ones he made before he installed WinRar.
I was hoping I was right.  Thanks again.

[patio]

7Zip is another great Free alternative as well.
I think you owe Deerpark a share of your winnings !

 

[Deerpark]

Ditto Patio, I'm a 7-Zip user myself.

And ditto the idea of me having some winnings coming my way.

[evilfantasy]

7-Zip rules!!!

If you feel you need more than 7-Zip check out Zip Genius.

[patio]

Zip Genious is pretty slick...i believe you suggested it a short while back and i took it around the block for a test run...it's a keeper and Thanx !

[evilfantasy]

It's kinda like 7z on steroids

P.S. RAR files are popular for distributing malware...

[Dias de verano]

RAR files are popular for distributing malware...

RAR files are popular for distributing just about anything. 

[Szpixman]

Thanks again for all the extra info...might try out Zip Genius myself.