What is a Zipped File ?
A. Large files are made smaller in size with compression software so that they are easier to transport. If a file has been compressed, it must be “un-compressed” before it can be used. If a file is compressed, it will usually have a .zip file extension. Special software is needed to “un-compress” or “un-zip” a file that has been compressed. Software such as (but not limited to) PK Unzip or Winzip may be used to “un-compress” a compressed file. The data files that the Commission/Board distributes are compressed and must be “un-compressed” as explained above.
A. To minimize the time necessary to download some of the larger files we’ll post we will use compression software to reduce their file volume. This does not result in loss of data as “repeating data” within the file is marked rather than replicated. The result will be the extraction of the compressed data to its original size and format. Where the files are extremely voluminous we’ll post a warning which approximates the disk space that will be required to successfully extract the data. You will need a program to unzip the files such as WinZip which is available at http://www.winzip.com.
