Zamzar
| Web address | www.zamzar.com |
|---|---|
| Type of site | Online file conversion |
| Registration | Optional |
| Available language(s) | English |
| Owner | Mike and Chris Whyley |
| Launched | January 29, 2006 |
| Alexa rank |  6,633 (April 2013[update])[1] |
| Current status | online |
Zamzar is a web application to convert files. It was created by brothers Mike and Chris Whyley in England.[2][3] It allows user to convert files without downloading a software tool, and supports over 1,000 different conversion types.[4] Users can type in a URL or upload one or more files (if they are all of the same format) from their computer, Zamzar then converts the file(s) to another user-specified format.[5] For example, from an Adobe PDF file to a Microsoft Word document. Users receive an email with a URL from where they can download the converted file. It is also possible to send files for conversion by emailing them to Zamzar.[6]
User privilege levels
Zamzar is currently free to use. However, users can pay a monthly subscription in order to access preferential features, such as online file management, shorter response and queuing times and other benefits.[7]
The terms and conditions show no mention of security or copyright protection.
Legal status
Currently, Zamzar is able to download and convert videos from a large number of video sharing websites – however, on 12 June 2012, it had to stop providing support to its users for the downloading of videos from YouTube after receiving a C&D order from Google's legal department, for breach of the terms and conditions of YouTube's API.[8]
Naming etymology
Its name comes from Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis. Its main character is called Gregor Samsa and it is from his surname that Zamzar is derived.[2][9]
References
- ^ "Zamzar.com Site Info". Alexa Internet. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
- ^ a b Zhang, Michael, "Interview with Zamzar", Folksonomy, November 11, 2006 (archived version 2008)
- ^ Zamzar – Free software downloads and reviews – CNET
- ^ Zamzar – Conversion format support
- ^ Lifehacker – Online file conversion with Zamzar
- ^ "Convert files by email". Zamzar.com. 10 February 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
- ^ "Convert file types - signup for Zamzar". Zamzar.com. Retrieved 2012-06-16.
- ^ "Downloading YouTube videos: No longer supported.". Zamzar.com. 12 June 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2012.
- ^ 10 Worst App Names – PC Magazine
