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WinRAR is software used to compress files in order to save space on your hard drive.  It can minimize the size of downloaded files from both the Internet and email attachments. Supported file types include CAB, ZIP, TAR and more.  For a single user license, you will need to pay $29 for WinRAR.  Check out these alternatives instead.

Open source compression with 7 Zip

7 Zip is an open source program that also provides file archiving for Windows users.  The same file types as WinRAR are supported and provide a high compression ratio.  In the zip format, the compression ratio is 135% compared to the 109% offered by WinRAR.  The 7z format has a slightly lower compression ratio at 100%.  The utility is free, but 7 zip does ask for donations to help keep the project going.  [7 Zip]

Weird name, but good utility

Free RAR Extract Frog is an extraction utility that has the ability to support spanned archives as well as compress files on your computer.  Free RAR Extract Frog even has the ability to work on password protected files.  The interface is easy to use with the drag and drop option available to extract files.  You can also assign an output folder in order to speed along the utility.  [Free RAR Extract Frog]

Get brilliant file compression with ZipGenius

ZipGenius has all of the basics of file compression programs, but has the nifty feature of offering support for PocketPC users that you can access through ActiveSync.  Another benefit of ZipGenius is that it can send archived files via email.  You can also assign your archives a password to ensure security of your data.  [ZipGenius]