Jan's Library

What Are Zip Files...and why do I need WinZip?

By: Jan K., The Proofer

A "zip" file is a single downloadable (or emailable) folder that contains two or more different files (such as Word documents or PDF files). By putting numerous files in one zip file, it is quicker to download (email) and easier to manage once it is received. In order to open a zip file, you need to have some type of file decompression software (that is, a program that will open a zip file)---most typically WinZip.

WinZip is an inexpensive easy-to-use software, and can be downloaded as a free trial version (good for 45 days). You can easily download the trial version by going to WinZip's website (http://www.winzip.com/winzip.htm). If you have never downloaded a free software before, then you'll need these few easy-to-follow instructions:

• Once you select "Download" on the WinZip website (you may have to drill down through a couple of screens before you actually get to the page with the "Download Now" button), you will see a pop-up window that offers three choices: Run, Save, Cancel
• Select Save, and then put the program wherever you want to keep it on your computer (usually your "C" drive, which is most commonly your hard drive).
• Once the download starts, it may take several minutes for the download to complete.
• When the download is complete, you may need to "execute" the program (run it for the first time). However, it is likely that the program will install and be operational immediately upon downloading.

Now that you have WinZip, you can very easily open zip files. Find the zip file that you want to open (in whatever folder you have saved it). Click (or double-click) the file to open it (depending on how you have your computer set up). A WinZip pop-up screen will automatically open. If you are using the Evaluation version of WinZip (that is, the free trial version), then click the "Use Evaluation Version" button. The next screen you see will be a list of all the files that were included in that zip file.

You can open or print the files right from this WinZip window, or you can click on and drag the files to another folder on your computer.

[If you are working with a much older version of WinZip, there are several more steps to go through in order to unzip the file. A free tutorial for this is available at http://readingroom.janktheproofer.com/downloadmbzip.doc (this is a Word document, and may take several long seconds to open).

With WinZip, you can now work with zip files (or create them yourself) that you download or receive as email attachments.

If you need to learn about PDF files, please go to:

• What is PDF and why do I need Adobe Reader? (at http://readingroom.janktheproofer.com/adobereader.htm)

Jan K., The Proofer is a freelance copyeditor and proofreader. Visit http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan's free crafts, recipes, tutorials, other resource sites, and free content articles, as well as Jan’s business services. Be sure to visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for free printable crafts and projects. © Copyright 2005 to present. All rights reserved.