Comp-Tutor's: 08/08/08

Compressing or Zipping files is a process that allows you to squeeze or compress your large files, greatly reducing the size of the files . Why would you want to do this? Because , compressing and reducing the size to smaller files –

· The files require less disk space.

· You can transfer the reduced files from computer to computer via cable, disk or over the Internet, more quickly.

· Store more files on your hard drive.

· Pack many related files into one archive or library.

For example, zipping files is similar to taking a large letter, folding it up and putting it inside a small envelope. You mail the envelope, which takes up less space, and the recipient of the mail can open the envelope and fold out the large letter again .Compressing and zipping files follow the same technique- you take a large file or a group of files, compress it and place it in one small compressed file and then send it. At the other end the contents can be extracted back to their original size and used as normal.

While Windows XP has a built-in compression tool that gets the job done, there are File Compression Programmes that have to be downloaded and used.

Use this simple 3 steps to compress your files with the built in tool in windows XP.

1. Open Windows Explorer or My Computer and select the file(s) you want to compress. To select more than one file to compress, CTRL-click on each of the files you want to add. If you want to compress all the files in a folder, press CTRL-A to select all.

2. Right-click on any of the files you've selected and select Send to > Compressed Folder.

3. A .zip file will be created with a default name that is the same as the first file that you selected. If you want to change the name of your archive, right-click on it, select Rename and enter the new name File Compression Programs

Many popular file compression programs are available for download on the Internet. These programs are able to compress files to what are known as Zip files with the filename extension .zip. The two extremely popular zip file programs are WinZip and WinRar . But, unfortunately both are sharewares and only the trial versions are available for 21-30 days evaluation . Winzip can be downloaded here and WinRar here. Do not use two programmes together.

There are plenty of other free and good alternatives. You can just pick anyone of the following.

7-Zip is a freeware and like its better-known competitors, unpacks a host of archive formats, including zip files, rar files, and other formats. It is especially well-suited for developers and anyone else who moves between the Windows and Linux/Unix worlds. You can download 7-Zip from here or from the download icon at the right side.

IZArc is another freeware which can unzip (extract) almost any archive file types .If you have many documents containing confidential information or you just want to back up your files you can use IZArc to create password protected archives secured with strong encryption.

ExtractNow 4.15 is a simple freeware utility that allows you to extract multiple archives quickly and easily.

ZipWiz 2005 provides novice users with a fully prompted freeware solution for working with zip files. The zip wizard leads you step-by-step through the processes of zipping and unzipping files .Try this freeware if you're new to file compression.

ALZip is a one-stop archiving and compression freeware program designed for speed and ease of use. Beginners can easily perform advanced tasks, while power users can do things faster

QuickZip is a powerful and fast utility that provides support to ZIP and other popular archive formats .

How Do I Use a File Compression Program?

It's easy to use most file compression programs . Simply drag a file and drop it on the program's desktop icon to create a compressed version. Moreover, if you have compression software installed, right-clicking (or control-clicking on a Mac) on a file icon normally brings up a menu that lets you to compress the file.

How to Compress Large Media Files

If you have large media files or a large group of files that you need to archive, move, or distribute, it may be easier to compress them first. This guide will step you through compressing (archiving) files

Download a file compression programme such as 7Zip, Winzip, or WinRar.
Verify that the downloaded file has no viruses or spyware.
Install the program.
Select the files to be compressed by holding down "Ctrl" or "Alt" while left-clicking.
Right-click on the selection to pop up a content menu.
Select "Add to Archive" or similar listing.

Save your archive.

Thats it! You have successfully zipped a file!