Stuffit Deluxe (for Windows) Version 8.0

http://www.aladdinsys.com

(Reviewed by Fred Sabin, President, NJCC)

“Stuffit Deluxe” for Windows is a very comprehensive compression software program by Aladdin Systems. The deluxe version can compress or decompress files and folders via a simple drag-and-drop interface; make self-extracting archives; do 512-bit encryption; and search for or list files in archives. It also integrates with Microsoft Office, Email and FTP functions. It can create or expand files in Zip, Gzip, Bzip2, Lha, Tape (.tar, .tgz, .tgz2, .tZ), Unix (.Z), and Uuencode (.uu, .uue) formats,  as well as Apple/Mac files in AppleSingle, MacBinary, BinHex, Stuffit, and Stuffit X formats. It can also expand files in Arj, Arc, Base 64 and RAR formats.

The CD installed the software quickly and without problems, and put shortcut icons on the desktop for Stuffit Deluxe; Stuffit Express (a script automation tool); SEA Builder (Self Extracting Archives); DropStuff (drag-and-drop compression) and Stuffit Expander (drag-and-drop decompression). The “Start” button > “Programs” menu has options for Deluxe, Express or Builder selections. The program windows are simple and easy to use once you learn them, and the drag-and-drop features are fantastic. The Help Topics have the normal Contents, Index and Search features, but many help topic explanations are lacking in content.

The SEA (Self Extracting Archives) Builder is especially useful. It is included with the software and allows you to make and send compressed archives that can be expanded on any windows computer without the need for any other software. In addition, you can add a personal message that will appear when the file is double mouse clicked so that the recipient can have instructions or information on the archive directly from you before opening it.

Stuffit and Stuffit X are Mac programs that work well with Windows. You can take advantage of their features, including better file compression, encryption, segmenting (files to into smaller sized pieces), etc., by also using “Stuffit Expander” (included with the software or available free to others from Aladdin Systems’ website at: http://www.aladdinsys.com ) for file decompression. Alternatively, Stuffit makes normal .zip files that are compatible with other compression programs (except it does not permit “floppy disk spanning” to allow automatic compression of a single large file onto multiple floppy disks).

I had been using another popular compression software prior to evaluating “Stuffit Deluxe”, but I soon learned and appreciated the better ease of use and flexibility that “Stuffit Deluxe” offers. I therefore highly recommend “Stuffit Deluxe” to you (and I will be doing a presentation of it at our June 11, 2003, NJCC Regular Meeting).

“Stuffit Deluxe” (Version 8.0 for Windows) runs on MS Windows 98SE/ME/NT/2000/XP with a Pentium processor; a CD-ROM; 64 MB RAM; and 20 MB hard drive space.

The list price for “Stuffit Deluxe” Version 8.0 is $39.99, but it is available to NJCC members at a 25% discount of $29.99 (plus S&H), by using Code “PCUG 2002” when you go to their website e-store at: http:// www.aladdinsys.com/support/usergroups/ugvalid.html.