Q: Why are compressed or "zipped" files used?

Compressed or "zipped" files are useful for allowing others to download

• a large file (depending on the level of compression)
• multiple files (files are compressed into one file)
• for unsupported file types

If you have downloaded a compressed or "zipped" file (e.g. filename.zip), you will need a program to uncompress or "unzip" a file.

If you do not have one, you can download a free file compression program, which will allow you to compress and uncompress files, from:

• Download.com (click here to choose one)
• Webattack.com (click here to choose one)

For this tutorial, a free program called "UltimateZip" will be used (click here to go to the download page).

To download and install the UltimateZip program:

1. After the download is complete, double click on the "uzsetup.exe" file

2. Go through the steps to install the program on the computer.

3. Double-click on the UltimateZip icon to start the program. You will be asked if you want this program to open all compressed files in the future.

4. In the window, click "Yes".

Note:

• After installation, UltimateZip places an icon in the system tray next to your clock for easy access.

  

• To remove this, please use your mouse and right click on the icon and select "Close" in the menu

  

• Select "Close and Remove" and click "OK".

  

To uncompress or "unzip" a file using UltimateZip:

1. Open the UltimateZip program, and in the file menu along the top of the program, click on "File" and select "New Archive".

2. A window will open where you can browse for the compressed or "zipped" file. Find the file and click "OK

3. In the UltimateZip program, you will see files appear. These are the files that appear in the compressed file, they have not been moved anywhere.

4. To have these files placed in a folder, in the file menu, click "Actions" and select "Extract" or click the "Extract" button.

Note:

• The term "Extract" is used because the files are being copied and taken out of the compressed file. The compressed file will not be changed after files are "extracted".

5. Choose a folder or create a folder for the files

Note:

• Please make sure that all three "Option" boxes are checked
• To create a folder, click on new folder icon button (next to the down arrow button, and type in the desired name.

  

• Select the newly created folder.

  

6. Click the "Extract" button

7. The folder will open showing the "extracted" or "uncompressed" files.

To compress or "zip" files using UltimateZip:

1. Open the UltimateZip program, and in the file menu along the top, click on "Files" and select "New Archive".

2. Create a name for the compressed file, decide the location, and click "Open"

3. A new window will appear where you can add files to be included in this compressed or "zipped" file. Select the files and click "Add".

4. You will now see the files in the UltimateZip program.

5. In the file menu along the top, click on "Files" and select "Close Archive".

6. Your zipped file will located in the previously specified location (step 2).

Alternative way to create zip files with UltimateZip

1. Locate the folder with the contents you would like to zip and right click on the folder and select "Add to Zip".

2. In the new window, click "Add"

3. The zipped file will appear in the same folder as the original folder and/or files.

Related Links:

• What is a Zip file? by WinZip, click here
• How File Compression Works from Howstuffworks.com, click here
• Beginner's Guide to Downloading from CNET.com, click here
• Learnthenet.com guide to File Compression, click here

(Please note that none of the above are official partners of Homestead, nor have we done any extensive testing of what they have to offer. Use of their tools and services must be undertaken at your own risk.)