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Chilkat Zip Self-Extractor is a powerful tool that lets you create self-extracting ZIP files with a strong encryption system.

Especially aimed at users who want to make sure that no one manages to access the compressed data, the program seems more appropriate for those with more computer experience.

Truth is, Chilkat Zip Self-Extractor was developed to be easy to use, so it boasts a plain and simple GUI, but the available options may get rookies in trouble.

For example, you initially need to input the path to the ZIP file and provide the executable file you want to run after unzipping. There are some options too in order to delete file after launching this executable file and auto-select temp folder for unzipping.

The encryption system however is much more important. If you wish to take the most out of the AES encryption engine, there are three options at your disposal: 128 bit, 192 bit and 256 bit, with a dedicated field to input a password.

Chilkat Zip Self-Extractor requires users to input the hard-coded unzip directory, default unzipping folder, icon file, URL and output executable.

Configuration profiles can be exported and imported for a seamless process, but there's not help manual available, which is one of the major drawbacks.

As a conclusion, Chilkat Zip Self-Extractor can help a few professional users, but in order to target a larger “audience”, it still needs a bunch of improvements. A wizard for example could help a lot, especially because the whole program needs to be more user friendly.