ZipTip

Type of Program: Tooltip Shell Extension for Zip Files
Supported Platform: Windows 95/98/NT 4.0
Author's Name: Norio Namura
Version: 0.0.1.3
Price: free
Installed size: 311K

Download/Homepage

ZipTip is a shell extension that allows IE4+ users a detailed "tooltip" look into unopened Zip files -- just open Windows Explorer, move your mouse over any Zip files, and the ZipTip bubble shows a list of files inside -- and if there's a text file, such as a ReadMe, you can read as much of the first page as fits in the ZipTip display.

ZipTip is a companion to the InfoTip shell extension app, which is also reviewed here, so install InfoTip first. These are both small, unobtrusive files, but the convenience they offer is tremendous. You can look inside any Zip file quickly, without having to launch your Super-Dooper advanced file browser. So ZipTip is gives you a good bit of info with just a mouseover on a selected Zip file.

Simple as ZipTip is, it comes with a nice install/uninstall routine. It's currently offered as an Alpha, but I find no problem running it whatsoever. And, when teamed with the InfoTip app, I get a whole lotta file snooping done without having to launch a bigger, slower app to open anything up. If you're like me, and have a huge collection of flotsam all over your drives, it's little stuff like these shell apps that become rather endearing. Ha ha, it's free too. (Just keep in mind, these are nice shortcuts for quick, cursory info; the advantage is that you can use your advanced file manager/viewer when you really need the horsepower -- not for the small stuff.) The author invites comments and questions: Norio Nomura, at norio@na.rim.or.jp

Performance:
User Friendly:
Cost: free
Ease of Installation: 5
Support:
Reviewed by: Bobbie Crowell rjaye@mail.inforum.net
ICQ # 9407183

Reminder: ZipTip runs with the companion shell extension program, InfoTip, also reviewed here.

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