Portable PowerArchiver 2009

This is the portable edition of PowerArchiver 2009 - a rich-featured software application which allows you to compress files and to extract content from archives, straight from your U3 smart drive.
Since this program does not require installation, the Windows Registry is not updated with new entries, thus minimizing the risk of system failures.
The interface of the tool is clean and professional-looking - its layout can be set up for either novice or advanced users.
The Explorer-based layout makes PowerArchiver 2009 easy to navigate. The compression tool supports numerous file types, including ZIP, ZIPX, 7-ZIP, CAB, TAR, RAR, ISO, GZ and TBZ.
In order to create a new archive, you must set up a filename, directory and format, after which you can configure compression options. Thus, you can add, update, freshen or move files, specify the compression level and method (e.g. deflate, optimized), as well as encrypt the items with a password.
Additional options of PowerArchiver 2009 allow you to add items to a queue, include subfolders, system and hidden files, use the current folder as temporary, store relative or full paths, and encrypt archives to the PAE format.
Furthermore, you can preview data in the main application window, build a new backup script, SFX archive or disc image (ISO), test the integrity of the archives, upload items via FTP or send them via email, use a search function, as well as backup data and burn information to disc (e.g. ISO, TBX). The Tools menu grants you access to other advanced options, such as archive type conversion, batch processing, multi extraction, ZIP repairs, and an SFX wizard.
Several settings regarding the program's configuration are available as well. For example, you can clear the history of recent files, switch to a different skin, restore options to their default values, make file associations, integrate PowerArchiver 2009 into the system shell and manage plugins, just to name a few.
The comprehensive application requires a moderate amount of system resources, has a good response time and quickly finishes a task without freezing, crashing or popping up errors. There is also a help file available online. All in all, PowerArchiver 2009 represents a complete solution to archiving necessities.