I've given this program an 9/10 rating because although it is a more 'grown up' program than some of the others, its actually not that difficult to use. The most complex part of using Winrar is the configuration so that its simple to use on a day to day basis. It loses a point because it isn't free, although older versions can be used indefinitely without registration.

It supports zip, rar and 7zip files along with lots of other fairly obscure archive formats. In that respect it is a good 'all round' zip program, it is also good if you wish to create archived files to share online. 

I have used it for many years, othe main reason is that you can select multiple files and have Winrar create individual zips from each of the files, something that to my knowledge is not available in Winzip. In that respect if you're contemplating setting up your own Sims 2 or sharing your files online this may well be a good investment for that purpose

To set up Winrar to be nice and easy to use run the program, in the OPTIONS menu, choose SETTINGS

In the Settings panel, click on the INTEGRATION Tab. Here I would suggest matching the settings shown above, this will associate Winrar with lots of different types of archive formats.

Next click on the CONTEXT MENU ITEMS button - here you can choose the options available when you right click on a zip to install it. I would recommend you choose the settings as shown below

If you have no intention of ever creating zips and emailing them you can uncheck those options if you want to have less options on your context menus but remember you'll need to come back to the settings later if you change your mind. Once you've selected click OK and exit the program - it should be all set up and ready to use!

For installing Sims custom content, you can if you wish download your zip or rar files directly to the folder the files need to be in and then follow the right click, select WINRAR > Extract here to unzip the files into that folder.

You can unzip multiple files - simply drag a selection box around all the files you want to extract, again right click and choose WINRAR > Extract here or Extract files... to choose a different folder

http://www.win-rar.com/faq.html

If your question is not covered there or you have additional problems using Winrar please contact their support service - we cannot provide technical support for Winrar as we did not create the program.

If you do not LIKE Winrar then we can only advice that you try one of the other suggested zip programs - certainly we will not provide compensation if you PAY for this program and decide later you don't like it!