Convert Files to Different Formats with Zamzar

Need an easy way to turn a Word document into a PDF? How about a bitmap image into a JPEG? Maybe a WMV file into an iPhone-compatible video? Head to Zamzar, a Web-based service that converts just about any file type into just about any other file type.

To use Zamzar, you simply browse your hard drive for the file you want to convert (or paste in a URL if it's an online video), then choose the desired output format. Enter your e-mail address, click Convert, and presto: Zamzar uploads your file, works its magic, then e-mails you a link where you can download the converted file.

Zamzar is free, but of course there are subscription options that offer more features. The $7/month Basic plan, for instance, raises the file-size limit to 200MB from 100MB and includes 5GB of online storage, a personal inbox for managing files, and faster file conversion than freeloaders get. But even free Zamzar is pretty quick, and incredibly convenient when you want to convert a file without messing around with software.