Need to decompress files fast? Try Unarchiver 3 for OS X

Compressed files are not always used for the space savings reasons they were initially created for, but they are still very important. The widespread availability of high-speed Internet connections means that the size of downloads is far less important than used to be the case, but many downloads are still supplied in one of the many compressed formats that are available. OS X includes integrated support for a number of formats but if you want to be able to extract the contents of more archives The Unarchiver has been updated to version 3.0 with support for more compressed files types than ever before.

As you’ve probably guessed from the name of the app, this is a piece of software that is concerned solely with the decompression of archives, so if you’re looking to compress files you’re going to need to look elsewhere. In the software world there is a general trend towards jack-of-all-trades utilities, so it is slightly unusual to come across an app that does just one thing -- thankfully, The Archiver does it well, so it can be let off the hook somewhat.

The app is so unobtrusive that once you have had it installed for a while you could be forgiven for forgetting of its existence and believing that its features were part of OS X. What this particular update brings is support for an extra swathe of new formats including WinZip’s .zipx ads well as Linux formats such as ar and deb. Existing support for extracting files from disc images has been expanded to include MDF, NRG and CDI files and there is now also the option of extracting images and sounds from SWF files.

If you’re a fan of The Unarchiver, or find that you become one, you may also be interested in checking out The Archive Browser (http://archivebrowser.c3.cx/) from the same company. This application is a handy addition to your archival arsenal, making it easier to browse and preview the contents of compressed archives without the need for decompression. This tool is not free of charge and it is The Unarchiver that is likely to join the ranks of essential apps that you use every day.

You can find out more and download a free copy of the app by paying a visit to the review page for The Unarchiver.

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