What is a Zip File?
A zip file is a compressed archive. The image file is compressed both for speed of transmission via the internet and to protect the structural integrity of the image. Before you use them, they will need to be decompressed. For PC users, the product WinZip will decompress the files. When downloading, you will be prompted to open the file or save it to disk. Choose “save to disk” and click OK. If you save the file, a window will open so you may choose where you want the file saved. (You will be able to rename the file at this point.) Click OK. You may then use Winzip to extract the image file. Macintosh users may decompress the images using ZipIt or StuffIt Expander. If you are using ZipIt, a folder with the downloaded file or the decompressed file will appear on your desktop. Double-click on the name of the file, then choose where you want the image saved. If using StuffIt, open StuffIt, then Expand the file that downloaded to your desktop. After the file is decompressed, drag it into t
ZIP files are “archives” used for distributing and storing files. ZIP files contain one or more files. Usually the files “archived” in a ZIP are compressed to save space. ZIP files make it easy to group files and make transporting and copying these files faster. ZIP files save time and space, and make downloading software and transferring email attachments faster. The most popular ZIP extraction and compression utility is WinZip available at http://www.winzip.com.
