If you have ever seen a computer file that looks like it has a “zipper” or a “vise” on it then you have seen a "zip file" or "zip folder."
Zip folders are widely used to distribute computer files and programs over the Internet or to send them by email. You will encounter them often when you visit websites to download free fonts, dingbats or shapes.
Zip folders are easy to use and it is helpful for you to understand them.
When the high-tech industry was getting started, computer memory was very limited and network speeds were painfully slow. As a result, files and programs needed to occupy the smallest amount of "space" possible. Before long, some very smart people saw opportunity in these limitations and developed techniques to reduce file memory size.
Reducing memory size is known as “file compression” and, even today, Windows Vista and XP will reduce the memory size of your computer files if you choose certain settings. This is because memory is still relatively scarce. You see, even though today's computers have much more memory and broadband networks are much faster, our computer files and programs tend to be much larger in memory size - especially video files and photos.
Years ago, a company named WinZip International created an inexpensive software product called "WinZip" which became the market leader in file compression. WinZip lets users compress and package files into a single zip folder. Zip folders can be posted on the Internet or emailed to other users who can then open them to "extract" the files inside and use them on their computer. NOTE: You do NOT need to own or have WinZip installed on your computer to open zip folders. Zip folders will open on any computer system.
Think of a zip folder as you would a "Zip-Lock Baggie" that contains one or more computer files inside it.
The file(s) must be removed to be used by your software programs.
There are four key reasons why zip folders are important and widely used:
First, as I described earlier, zipping files reduces their memory size. This saves space on computer hard disks and helps to distribute or send them faster over networks.
Second, most email services set a memory size limit on files that can be sent or received. Even though font, dingbat and shape files are "small", other files such as photos or videos can be very large. People often don't receive email from friends because the attached file(s) exceeds the size limit set by the email provider. Reducing the memory size may mean the difference between being able to send or receive files to other people.
Third, web browsers including Internet Explorer don't work with all computer file formats. There are many computer file formats and each have different "file extensions." For example, I offer free shapes and templates for you to download and use. These files end with a ".scut" file extension but Internet Explorer doesn't recognize it. So, I work around this problem by providing the files in a zip folder because Internet Explorer recognizes the WinZip ".zip" file extension. Essentially, Internet Explorer can't "see" or "smell" what is inside a zip folder. This is like putting a file in a Zip-Lock baggie and sending it on its way.
Finally, WinZip lets users "package" multiple files into a transportable folder that is viewed as a single file by computers. Many websites provide True Type fonts and dingbats and Internet Explorer likes the True Type file extension. So, why are they in a zip folder? Because designers who own the copyrights often require that an additional text file be included to advertise their service and also to notify users of their ownership rights. Packaging multiple files into a single, transportable folder is very convenient.
Typically, you just click or double-click on a zip folder to open it. A new window will appear that has the file(s) listed. Simply drag the file from this window to your desktop and then close the window. You can then delete the zip folder because you won’t need it any longer. You will now have a useable file on your computer desktop. If it is a font or dingbat, just install it as you normally would. Once again, you must remove a file from a zip folder for it to be used by your computer.
Opening a Zip Folder in Windows XP and Vista
Step 1: Download the zip folder to your computer desktop.
NOTE: In the image to the left, I show zip folders for Windows XP and Vista. The process of opening these is the same. The only difference is the appearance of the folders and windows.
Step 2: Click or double-click the zip folder icon to open it.
a. A new window will appear.
The need to click vs. double-click depends on your computer settings. If you usually double-click folders to open them, then double-click the zip folder.
Step 3: Click and drag the file listed in the window to your desktop.
Step 4: Close the window after dragging the file to your desktop.
Step 5: Delete the zip folder. You no longer need it.
As I mentioned earlier, zip folders are very common and easy to use. Think of them as 'Zip-Lock" baggies and you'll be much more comfortable working with them.
Copyright 2008-2010, ScrappingTable.com LLC; All rights reserved. Opinions expressed are those of ScrappingTable.com LLC only. Brand names, logos and product claims are those of the manufacturers and not ScrappingTable.com LLC. Cricut and Gypsy are registered trademarks of Provo Craft & Novelty. The unauthorized use, distribution or website embedding of ScrappingTable.com LLC content including but not limited to web pages, artwork, videos, tutorials, instructions and narratives is expressly forbidden.
