PowerArchiver is a Windows software that offers advanced file compression and archiving capabilities. It features an exclusive Advanced Codec Pack (.PA) format, which is designed to provide the best possible compression/speed ratio for your files. The Advanced Codec Pack includes a range of different filters and codecs that work transparently to achieve this goal, and includes two base modes: Optimized Fast and Optimized Strong. These modes offer fast and strong compression options, respectively, and are optimized for processors with 4 or more threads.

One of the standout features of PowerArchiver is its ability to use multiple codecs for different files/extensions in order to achieve the best possible compression/speed ratio. This is achieved through the use of Smart Optimized modes, which select the best compression/speed ratios on a per-file basis. Additionally, PowerArchiver includes a range of special codecs and filters that are designed to improve compression for specific file types, such as PDF, DOCX, and PNG files, as well as exe/dll files.

PowerArchiver also offers strong security features, including FIPS 140-2 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered to be more secure than the encryption methods available in ZIP and RAR formats. The software also includes a special transformation filter that ensures that the data being encrypted does not have any LZ compression markers that could make brute-force attacks easier.

In terms of performance, PowerArchiver is optimized for multicore processors and includes multi-thread support, which means that both compression and extraction are fast even when using advanced and strong compression. The software also includes a special deduplication filter that is designed to find similar data at speeds of up to 50MB/s, which can be particularly useful when backing up office files or compressing software ISO's.

PowerArchiver is actively developed in-house, with frequent updates and new codecs, optimizations, and features being added on a regular basis. It is fully compatible with Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, and includes support for UAC and VSS. It also includes support for a wide range of file formats, including ZIP, RAR, 7Z, and TAR, and is able to extract files from ISO, BIN, and other disc image formats.

Overall, PowerArchiver is a feature-rich and powerful file compression and archiving tool that is designed to deliver fast and strong compression, as well as a range of advanced features and security options. Its exclusive Advanced Codec Pack (.PA) format is particularly noteworthy, as it offers a range of filters and codecs that work transparently to achieve the best possible compression/speed ratio for your files. If you are looking for a comprehensive file compression and archiving solution for your Windows PC, PowerArchiver is definitely worth considering.