To extract and compress your files, 7-Zip is a perfectly viable alternative to the better known WinZip or WinRAR. The application works exactly like its main competitors yet manages to mix in WinZip’s selection of tools with WinRAR’s versatility.

The 7-Zip interface is similar to that of its competitors, with a main file manager and a command line to search and select files to extract or compress. The control panel is comprised of the essential buttons like extract, add and test, but also features copy, move and delete functions to allow you to manage your files. 7-Zip extracts and compresses files as fast as WinZip and WinRAR and handles the main archive formats like ZIP, TAR, RAR and ISO.

The archiving process is where 7-Zip differs most from its rivals. Where WinZip only lets you compress to ZIP and WinRAR to RAR or ZIP, 7zip offers you up to 5 different archive formats to choose from. The application lets you choose the update mode, depending on whether you want to add and replace files, refresh the archive or just synchronize files. If you don’t want somebody opening up your archive without your permission, you can set a password to protect your archive.We particularly liked the split tool because it can cut up your archive into equal parts which fit on a floppy, CD or DVD, handy if you need to distribute a particularly large archive.

Security is where 7-Zip lags behind its main rivals. There is no option to scan archives for viruses and you can’t repair damaged or corrupted files. While you can set a password to protect your archive, you can’t choose between different levels of encryption.

7-Zip might not be as secure as WinZip or WinRAR but it is definitely more versatile. It works with more archive formats and offers many useful tools like update mode or splitting. If you feel too limited by WinZip and if you don’t like WinRAR we suggest giving 7-Zip a try and taking advantage of all its possibilities.

Download 7-Zip 4.60 in Softonic

When it comes to P2P file sharing, eMule usually wins hands down but UseNeXT is an interesting, slightly more sophisticated offering which has a lot to offer.

For starters, depending on your connection, it can be remarkably quick. You can download at speeds of up to 25 Mbps with DSL/Cable and it¡s pretty constant rather than the fluctuations you often get with such services. The network also prides itself on security over it's rivals such as Limewire and eMule - with ISPs continually cracking down on users, UseNeXT promises users far more anonymity than most.

The Usenet archives are supposedly some of the biggest in the world - more than 300 Terabytes of data available at all times and they claim that around 2,000 Gigabytes of new files are added daily. The problem in the past was that UseNeXT used to be a very complicated affair that only tech geeks can handle. However, nowadays, it's been simplified to such an extent that eMule, Limewire and other P2P users will feel more than comfortable with it.

While it can't possibly hope to compete with the reach and depth of the major P2P networks, UseNeXT offers an impressive selection with some super fast downloads.

Download UseNeXT 4.81 in Softonic

When all you want to do is just burn a CD or DVD, huge suites like Nero are certainly not the most suitable solution. Instead, you should look for a simple recording application such as InfraRecorder.

This easy tool features everything you need to record both CD and DVD. It supports data and audio burning, dual-layer DVD and also disc images. It works with rewritable discs and can burn copies on the fly as well. Results are very satisfying, with just one small complaint: I'd like to have a sound normalizer for song compilations.

But the best thing about InfraRecorder is undoubtedly its simplicity, in every sense. It launches in a few seconds, enables you to drag and drop files, features very intuitive menus and even includes a reduced version (InfraExpress) for last-minute recordings. However, if you want to record MP3 files into audio CDs you'll need to download the decoder by yourself and copy it to the Program files – InfraRecorder – Codecs folder.

InfraRecorder is a simple and efficient tool for quick CD and DVD recording.

Download Infra Recorder 0.45 in Softonic

rotects your confidential information. Keeps hackers out. Prevents theft of bank details. Keeps PCs free from viruses and spyware.Blocks spam. Protects your children on the Internet.

Enjoy truly global security with the new Panda Internet Security 2008. All your computer activity will be fully protected against identity theft and you can forget about viruses, spyware, hackers, spam, online fraud and other Internet threats. You'll also be able to make automated backup copies of your most important documents and optimize the performance of your computer.

Key features:

In-Depth online scanning

• Deep scanning of your PC with TotalScan Pro..

• The exclusive technologies in Panda TotalScan Pro allow periodic in-depth scanning to detect and delete the most sophisticated threats that can slip past traditional protection. Always protected against the most sophisticated threats!

Automated backup system

• Safeguard your files against accidental loss or damage.

• No doubt at some time or other you have lost important documents that were saved on your PC, either through unintentionally deleting them or due to hard disk problems or other accidents. With Panda Internet Security 2008 you can now make simple automatic backup copies that will let you restore these files whenever you need. You can also select the files that you want to save and make backup copies either on hard disk, CD, DVD or other external drive. Back up your files quickly and easily!

Optimized PC performance system

• Panda Tuneup: helps optimize operating system performance.

• Sometimes your computer may operate erratically or slow down for no apparent reason. In these cases, the first thing to do is to use the system's optimization and maintenance tools. Panda Internet Security 2008 helps you access these utilities directly. First it cleans out all unnecessary components (removing cookies, temporary files, items in the recycle bin, etc.) and then defragments the disk to optimize performance. Keep your computer in top shape!

Now 12 months' free online backup

• With up to 1 GB of storage space on a secure online server.

• The ability to access your most important documents securely from any computer offers numerous advantages. Panda Internet Security 2008 lets you make backup copies -quickly and simply- on a secure Internet server, with up to 1 GB of storage space for 12 months. Safeguard your information online!

Latest generation antivirus

• Automatically detects and eliminates all types of viruses.

• If content is missing from your hard disk, if you have problems starting your computer, or if some of your files are unusable, you can be sure you've been hit by a computer virus. You can be infected just by surfing the Net, downloading a file, or opening an email attachment. There are also the dangers of worms and Trojans which now use new stealth techniques to evade detection.

• With Panda Internet Security 2008 you can use the Internet and download or share files in the knowledge that you are fully protected against all types of viruses, worms and Trojans. Forget about infections!

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• Computer slowdowns, annoying and aggressive pop-up ads, sudden changes to your system settings... these are just some of the effects that spyware can have on your PC. The real danger however is that these threats can steal information about your Internet activity and then use it without your knowledge.

• Panda Internet Security 2008 automatically detects and removes spyware and other annoying programs. Safeguard your privacy!

Panda Identity Protect

• Secures your personal data.

• Whenever you shop or bank online, you have to provide data to verify your identity, such as your account number, credit card number or other ID. This information is sensitive and needs to be protected. The new Panda Internet Security 2008, through the Identity Protect feature, lets you know at any time when this type of data is about to be sent out of the computer so you are in control at all times. Don't let anyone access your data without your permission!

Personal bi-directional firewall

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• When you connect to the Internet, many programs try to access your PC. Some of them are not dangerous, such as those that let you update applications you have installed, but others will try to exploit your connection or control your computer.

• Panda Internet Security 2008 includes a configurable personal firewall to stop intruders and hackers from accessing your PC. Turn your computer into a fortress!

• AntiPhishing

Protects against online fraud

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• Panda Internet Security 2008 will keep you safe from these dangerous scams. Bank and shop online with complete peace of mind!

TruPrevent Technologies

• Double protection

• Some new threats are able to spread globally in just a few hours. In this time, your PC could be unprotected as your antivirus will not have had time to update. The TruPrevent Technologies included in Panda Internet Security 2008 detect and block these unknown threats, intelligently scanning program behavior. This means your PC will have the reinforced protection it needs. Stay one step ahead of unknown threats!

AntiRootkit

• Detects threats that try to hide on your PC.

• Rootkits can be used to hide threats and prevent them from being detected by security solutions. These threats can then act with impunity on your system. With Panda Internet Security 2008 you won't have any problem, as its reinforced protection system can detect threats that use this stealth technique. Protect yourself from hidden threats!

AntiSpam

• Automatic blocking of junk mail.

• No doubt you often receive emails from unknown or dubious senders. This avalanche of spam is time-wasting and can make it difficult to find the emails you really need to read. The reinforced anti-spam technology in Panda Internet Security 2008 automatically filters junk mail, keeping your inbox free from spam. Rid yourself of the avalanche of junk mail!

Parental control

• Restricts access to inappropriate websites.

• If you're worried about your children accessing violent, pornographic or racist content, or that your employees are wasting valuable time visiting non-work related websites, Panda Internet Security 2008 has the solution. Its content control feature can let you decide what type of web pages each user of a computer can view, with a range of custom filters (child, adolescent, employee…) You decide how the Internet should be used!

Download Panda Internet Security 2008 in Softonic