Zip it, Zip it
Good
Zip File
Compression: What it is, How to do it, Where to get it
Ted M. Coopman
What It Is
Zipping a file is simply using a program
to compress a file into a form that is smaller and easier to transfer. A zip file usually ends in either *.zip or
*.exe and unfortunately some people use zip files to transmit computer
viruses. So only open zip files when
they come from people you know and you’ve had a chance to scan them (the files)
for viruses. When in doubt, email the
sender for verification. As a
precaution, the UW has decided not to allow zip files to be transmitted as
email attachments (see#1). The system will delete these files automatically.
So, DO NOT attempt to turn in zipped assignments via email. They will not
arrive and therefore cannot be accepted.
Learning how to compress files is an important skill and something we
want to pass along to you. If you have
an internet connection with speedy connections you may not need to compress
files. But many connections are slower
than we’d like, and compressing files makes it easier to send them along. Therefore successfully using this type of
program is part of this assignment.
How to Zip
All of these compression programs come
with tutorials. I highly recommend that you follow these carefully to learn how
to compress/uncompress files. Most of these programs are drag-and-drop and easy
to operate. This example is for the WinZip program as explained by Shelley
Lowery (2004).
WinZip features an easy point-and-click,
drag-and-drop interface for viewing, extracting, adding, deleting and testing
archived files.
Right Click - To create a Zip file using
the right click method, locate the file or folder you would like to place
within your Zip file and place your mouse pointer over the file. Right click on
your mouse to launch the menu. Select "Add to Zip" to launch the
WinZip program. Click on "New" to create a new Zip file, or on
"Open" to add the file to an existing Zip file.
WinZip Wizard - To create a Zip file with
the wizard, your first step will be to load the WinZip program. Once loaded,
click on the "Wizard" button located at the top of your screen to use
the wizard. Follow the step-by-step instructions to create your Zip file.
WinZip Interface - To create a Zip file
using WinZip, your first step will be to open the WinZip program. Once opened,
click on the "New" button at the top of your screen to launch the
"New Archive" window. Select the folder in which you'd like to place
your Zip file, type in a name for your file and click on the "OK"
button. Your new Zip file has been created. You can now add files by clicking
on the "Add" button at the top of the screen.
Where to Get it
Most operating systems (OS) come with
some sort of compression software included, so before you go looking for it
make sure you don’t already have it.
PLEASE do not wait until the last minute to try and download and/or use
these programs. The inability to acquire and use these types of programs will
not be considered a valid excuse for failure to meet this assignments
deadline. Download and practice using
Zip compression software immediately and test it out by creating and opening
zip files.
For PC/Windows Users
WinZip is a popular drag-and-drop program
that is available in a trial version.
You can download a fully functional evaluation version here: http://www.winzip.com/download.htm. You can also download a free version of
Trident Zip Software at http://www.powerzip.biz/download.aspx.
For Mac Users
ZipIt is a shareware
program available for Mac OS and can be downloaded for OSX or earlier Mac OS
versions. Please note that if you intend to keep this software after the
assignment, you are ethically required to send the company money for it. The
price is pretty reasonable. Shareware is software that is distributed on the
honor system, so be honorable. You can
download a version at http://www.maczipit.com/download.html.
References
Lowery, S. (2004). Internet marketing
tools: Part three Zip/Unzip basics
Retrieved on November, 15, 2004 from
http://www.web-source.net/zip_basics.htm.
Use of this source requires the following
information:
“Shelley Lowery is the author of the
acclaimed web design course, Web Design Mastery.
http://www.webdesignmastery.com And, Ebook Starter - Give Your Ebooks
the look and feel of a REAL book. http://www.ebookstarter.com Visit Web-Source.net to sign up for a
complimentary subscription to Etips and receive a
copy of the acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet
Marketing Strategies." http://www.web-source.net.”
Trident Software (2004). Creating zip
files(tutorial)
Retrieved on November, 15, 2004 from
http://www.powerzip.biz/info/create-zip-files.aspx.