If you're doing business on the Internet, sooner or later
you will encounter a Zip file. A Zip file is simply an
"archive" of one or more files compressed into one file for
easy distribution.
Zip files are used to compress and transport file archives
over the Internet. It is the preferred method used for
electronic file distribution, as rather than downloading
several different files, you can simply download one Zip
file. In addition, the download time will be minimized, as
the files within the Zip archive are compressed.
Once a Zip file is downloaded, it can be easily opened and
extracted (unzipped) with a Zip/Unzip software program.
Although there are many Zip software programs available on
the Internet, WinZip is the most popular. WinZip makes
working with file archives simple. It features an easy
point-and-click, drag-and-drop interface for viewing,
extracting, adding, deleting and testing archived files.
You can download a fully functional evaluation version here:
http://www.winzip.com/download.htm
Extracting Zip Files
Extracting a Zip file with WinZip can be accomplished in a
number of ways. Here are a few methods to get you started:
Right Click - To extract your files using the right click
method, locate the file you would like to extract and place
your mouse pointer over the file. Right click on your mouse
to launch the menu. Select "Extract to" and select the
folder in which you'd like to place your files.
WinZip Wizard - To extract your files with the wizard,
locate the file you would like to extract and double click
the file. This will load your file within WinZip. Click on
the "Wizard" button located at the top of your screen to use
the wizard. Follow the step by step instructions.
WinZip Interface - To extract your files within WinZip, your
first step will be to open the WinZip program. Once opened,
click on the "Open" button at the top of your screen to
locate and open your Zip file. Once your file is open, click
on the "Extract" button at the top of your screen and select
the folder in which you'd like to place your files.
Creating Zip Files
Creating a Zip file with WinZip can be accomplished in a
number of ways. Here are a few methods to get you started.
Right Click - To create a Zip file using the right click
method, locate the file or folder you would like to place
within your Zip file and place your mouse pointer over the
file. Right click on your mouse to launch the menu. Select
"Add to Zip" to launch the WinZip program. Click on "New" to
create a new Zip file, or on "Open" to add the file to an
existing Zip file.
WinZip Wizard - To create a Zip file with the wizard, your
first step will be to load the WinZip program. Once loaded,
click on the "Wizard" button located at the top of your
screen to use the wizard. Follow the step by step
instructions to create your Zip file.
WinZip Interface - To create a Zip file using WinZip, your
first step will be to open the WinZip program. Once opened,
click on the "New" button at the top of your screen to
launch the "New Archive" window. Select the folder in which
you'd like to place your Zip file, type in a name for your
file and click on the "OK" button. Your new Zip file has
been created. You can now add files by clicking on the "Add"
button at the top of the screen.
Although there are other methods you can use when working
with WinZip, the above methods will provide you with a basic
guideline.
Zip files provide Internet users with the ability to easily
compress and transfer files in an organized fashion. Use
them to your fullest advantage.
Copyright © Shelley Lowery 2002.
About the Author
Shelley Lowery
This article was adapted from the highly acclaimed ebook
series, Web Design Mastery. Web Design expert and author
Shelley Lowery's latest ebook is an in-depth guide to
professional web design that is rapidly becoming known as
the "Bible" for professional web design.
http://www.webdesignmastery.com