Zip Software

If you are going to download software from the Internet, the first thing you should probably download and install on your Windows computer at home is some sort of Zip software, like one of those listed in the "Zip Software" section below. Why? Because, in order to save storage space and shorten download times, most of the software on the Internet is saved in a compressed ("Zipped") format. Zipped files always have ".zip" at the end of their filenames. Zip software uncompresses ("UnZips") those compressed files back into full-sized files that are usable on your Windows PC. Do not try to use Zip software on downloaded files whose filenames end with ".exe". Instead, move each downloaded ".exe" file into its own folder and double-click on it, then figure it out from there -- some ".exe" files are self-extracting compressed files; others are installation programs that install the actual software; while still others are the actual software itself, ready to copy into whatever folder you want to keep them in.

NOTE: When downloading, first create a new folder to hold the software that you're going to download, then download the software into that new folder, then unzip the software if necessary, then look to see if the unzipped software includes a README.TXT file that explains how to proceed with installing the software (almost all dowloadable software includes some form of a README.TXT file). If the software's installation procedure asks you where you want to install the software, DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING - just accept the default location that the software offers you (most software wants to be installed in the C:\Program Files folder).

7-Zip (821 KB - Freeware) The fastest and best free Zip utility. It supports all of the popular compression standards and it's the Zip software that I use. (Thanks, Carbonize!)

Cam Unzip (623 KB - Freeware) Very small, very simple, very easy-to-use zip/unzip software that doesn't have the often-confusing bells and whistles of its competitors.

Filzip (1.4 MB - Freeware) According to its author, "It now supports about 15 archive types, like arj, cab, rar, tar, lha and many more. Its many features include the Windows integration, e.g. drag&drop, compressing & extracting files from the context menu, to multiExtract, test or repair archives directly with one click from the mouse. Of course it comes with an SFX-Creator, you can rename, move copy or delete archives within Filzip. Zipping features: add, delete, view, open files from an archive, view & edit the zip comment, password protect zip files, test files while extracting, automatic installation of archives."

FreeZip (??? - Freeware) I don't know its total file size because, when you run the 135 KB installer file, it downloads the rest of the program over the Internet, and I haven't tried it yet. According to its author, FreeZip has the following features: Add and extract files from a Zip archive; Create Zip archives; Delete and extract selected files from a Zip; Supports multiple disk spanning; Supports drag-and-drop; Extremely easy to use; No nag messages.

WinZip (1.2 MB - Shareware - 21 Day Evaluation Period, then $29) A full-featured standard. Use WinZip to zip and unzip files, create archives that span multiple disks, create self-extracting zip archives, and more.

ZipCentral (1.29 MB - Freeware) Highly rated Zip utility. Its Web site says, "ZipCentral is a free and easy to use zip file manager with all the utilities you need to manage your zip files. The goal of ZipCentral is to be the most robust freeware zip-package you can find today. It is a great tool for the beginner as well as the expert. Working with zip files has never been easier!" I haven't tried this one.