Zip file Basic Information

Did you just receive e-mail with a Zip file attached to it, or did you just download a Zip file and don't know what to do with it? This page explains the basics of Zip files and how to use them.

 

What are Zip files?

Zip files are single files, sometimes called "archives", that contain one or more compressed files. Zip files make it easy to keep related files together and make transporting, e-mailing, downloading and storing data and software faster and more efficient. The Zip format is the most popular compression format used in the Windows environment, and Winrar is the most popular compression utility. This utility can be downloaded free from RARLAB

 

Why do people use Zip files?

Zip files compress data and therefore save time and space and make downloading software and transferring e-mail attachments faster. Typical uses for Zip files include:

• Distributing files on the Internet: Only one download is required to obtain all related files, and file transfer is quicker because the archived files are compressed.
• Sending a group of related files to an associate: When you distribute a collection of files as a single Zip file, you benefit from the file grouping as well as compression.
• Saving disk space: If you have large files that are important but seldom used, such as large data files, simply compress the files into a Zip file and then unzip (or "extract") them only when needed.

   

   

  Where does Winrar fit in?

To store files in a Zip file, or to access the files in a Zip file, you need a compression utility such as Winrar. Winrar makes it easy for Windows users to work with archives. Winrar features a standard Windows point-and-click drag-and-drop interface for viewing, running, extracting, adding, deleting, and testing files in Zip files.

 

 

How do I open a Zip file?

After you have installed Winrar, you can open a Zip file by double clicking it in your e-mail attachment or Explorer window and clicking extract.