LEIFH  It's hilarious how the mac users are expected to cater to the incompetent windows users. This for example, or anti-virus programs. Yeah, I'm gonna spend money to protect windows computers from MY computer. I wont see any harm done without the antivirus software but since the PC user I'm sending the file to doesn't have the intelligence to switch to a mac, I am told that I "need" a virus scanner to protect the PC users. HAH!

I'm not really bashing this program per say, since I have yet to try it but just the whole "windows-friendly" genre.  
(Version 1.9)

BEAMY  You can do the same for free with "YemuZip" if you choose "PC compatible". Or you can simply create the zip archive with the built in right click method and then drag & drop the zip file on the free "ZipCleaner" program afterwards.

(YemuZip and ZipCleaner are free and both can be found on MacUpdate or your favourite search engine)

If you spend more money (ranging from $5 to $15 more), then you can buy a fully loaded compression program like "BetterZip" which can do the same as "Zip Mac Files for PC" and much more, like creating files with other compression methods, deleting files from archives and so on.

***

By the way, I send zip files to Linux and Win users and they don't complain about the .DS_Store file and __Mac_OSX folder. Even PC beginners don't complain, they usually realise pretty fast that these things are not relevant for them or they simply ask.

:-)

.  
(Version 1.9)

FULMAR2  FOLLERRC - Thanks for your straight-forward input, and good suggestion. I will see if I can change the header with MacUpdate to help people better understand the purpose of this product. Also, you're right - many (skilled) PC users have no problem figuring out how to deal with zip files created on the mac using the right click + create archive feature. Our website even has video instructions to help users use this (free) method if they want. Meanwhile, there are still many, many PC users who would get a zip file created in this way, and be "uh... what?" If you have clients / vendors who fit this profile, and you don't have time to spend educating them on the wonders of a Mac, and why Mac Zip files look this way, then this program can help you out. Also, as mentioned before, many of our customers use automation to process zip files - and their automation is expecting a specific directory structure. Rather than jam their automation, or make them re-write code, we simply cater to their needs by giving them a file that they can use. It's simple.   
(Version 1.8)

FOLLEREC  I think what is misleading about all this is the subheading in MacUpdate "Create zip files that PC users can use.". It's implying that the current zip files created through Finder can't be used by PC users.

If you just change that to something like "Create zip files without __MACOSX and .DS_Store that confuse the heck out of PC users." I think you'll get less "complaints" if that is changed.

Honestly... when I was a PC user, I never understood those files and I never complained or wondered about them.

Now that I'm a Mac user, I regularly send out zip files with those things in them. Never had a complaint, never had a question about them either.

I think seeing __MACOSX clearly sends the message that that folder is just for Mac OS X and not Windows, and the .DS_Store file has no icon so no one wonders why they can't open it.

Won't rate this program, as I never tried it. Just thought I'd give my 2 cents worth.  
(Version 1.8)

JIMW  From a practical standpoint, as opposed to a technical perspective - .ds files for example, what does $14 get me that Right-Click and choosing Compress or entering the Unix command in terminal mode does not get me? And if it actually does get me something do I really need it?  
(Version 1.8)

FULMAR2  SHRALLDAM - thank you for your input...

Depending on one's needs, this program definitely has time saving value.

For example, one can make zip files for free if they wish using a number of free utilities. Furthermore, it is possible for a user to create a zip file from the command line - even one that does not have the .DS_Store files included. There are many options available. This program is for people who want to quickly and easily create zip files that will be sent to PC users. For people who will sent Zip files to Mac Users, they can use the "create archive" feature built into their mac. If they want to use the command line, they can do that for free as well.

Lastly, users can download similar freeware or crippleware, and make donations to the author. The choice is up to the end user.  
(Version 1.7)

ALJUK  I've never heard of DS files presenting a problem to windows users or had any issues with any files I've zipped for people who use windows. But I guess if those invisible files did create an issue for anyone I'd just delete any that were likely to get zipped before I did the zip. There are plenty of tools available for deleting those files, and plenty of different ways of viewing and accessing invisible files on the mac. i appreciate this s/w might be useful for someone, but personally I can't justify paying for something I can do in a couple of seconds with standard system tools.  
(Version 1.7)

MARK EVERITT  I've never had a single complaint from a windows user, and I've been sending zipped archives for years. Still, I guess that this could happen to some people. I'd suggest lowering the cost of this to a couple of dollars tops, especially considering that you could write a little shell script to do this without much thought.  
(Version 1.7)

PERSON1229  This is just plain ridiculous. We've all seen one-trick-ponies in the past with dumb prices, but this is just the epitome of sad. Nobody should ever pay fourteen dollars for ZIP.

Are two tiny little files worth $14?

There are plenty of free ZIP apps, just use the MacUpdate search bar at the top of the page.  
(Version 1.7)

SHOTGUNWEDDINGS  Although part of the remark below is true that none of my windows clients have any issues with my 10.5 zipped files via the Finder & Archive application.

It would be handy to avoid dumb questions from windows users about the 2 Mac files DS_Store and the underscored file(s) or folder(s).

For a free product, beats using DropStuff to avoid the oddball questions and files/folders questions later!

Thanks!  
(Version 1.0)