SecureZIP for Windows

SecureZIP is a program that allows users to create ZIP files that are secured by a password or security certificate. Although the program functions well, its interface could be more intuitive.

The interface is sleek and clean, with a reasonable number of buttons, which are labeled. But the way the program works just isn't immediately clear. If we want to create a new ZIP file, do we click New, as in new ZIP file? Or perhaps Open, to select the documents we want to include in the ZIP file? No, it turns out, we want to Add. We selected a folder full of documents that we wanted to convert to a ZIP file, chose a file name and destination, and then selected a password to restrict access. The process was quick and easy, and the contents of our new ZIP file were indeed password-protected. The program's built-in Help file is well-written and thorough. In addition to basic password-protection, SecureZIP allows users to create and use security certificates. We were especially impressed by how easily--in fact, automatically--the program integrates with Microsoft Office; we had only to restart Word once SecureZIP was installed, and the program appeared under the Prepare menu, ready to turn our Word documents into encrypted ZIP files. Overall, we like the program's versatility and ease of use, but we wish that the interface were a little more intuitive.

SecureZIP has a 30-day trial period. It installs desktop icons without asking but uninstalls cleanly. We recommend this program to all users.