Compression software ZipItFree doesn't just make files smaller, it makes its interface smaller. This handy freebie lets you roll up its interface into its top bar, so you can minimize the screen space it occupies without closing it entirely. When you need ZipItFree again, you just click the button and the interface drops down again, just like a set of window blinds. It's a small design touch that proves quite useful.

Unfortunately, the same thought didn't go into the software's default steel skin, which is not pleasing to the eye. Luckily, it's easy to change the design. I'd suggest either the Vista or Windows 7 design options, both of which make ZipItFree far easier on the eyes.

Aside from the one design horror, ZipItFree checks all the right boxes. It features strong encryption, support for 15 compression formats, and, like PeaZip, the ability to split up the file into multiple chunks of a set size for easier burning or emailing. For example, it can make an exact size to fit onto a 700MB CD disk or a 4GB DVD disk. You can also attach comments to an archive to remind yourself what's in it.

ZipItFree performed very fast on my 30MBtest  folder, coming close to its promised maximum 40 percent reduction and compressing the folder down to 20MB.

However, watch out for the extra software that ZipItFree tries to make you install. Just make sure to pay attention and uncheck the right boxes, and you'll be fine.

Note: The Download button takes you to the vendor's site, where you can download the latest version of the software.