Technical note - compressed files

How to create compressed files and how to open them.

There are many programs for creating compressed files but I only used 2 such programs, one is WinZip and the other jZip. Both are easy to learn and use. They are useful when you want to send many files as a big file (called archive, packed files or stack).

WinZip
http://download.cnet.com/WinZip/3000-2250_4-10003164.html

1. Follow the instructions online
2. The program may still be/may not be free now. Use it if it is free or locate and download the free version.
3. Download and install. Just double-click whatever you downloaded and it will self-install. Follow the instructions on screen.
4. To create a zip file, first create an empty folder. Drag some of your files into the folder (not exceeding 200MB total size). Then right-click on the folder. In the menu, select Apply to archive.... This will create a zip file of that folder. By zip file, it means all the contents of that folder are now packed as a single file, and with the same name. Rename and save the zip file.
5. You can then send the zip file to sendspace.
6. Gmail does not allow you to send zip files.

jZip
http://www.jzip.com/

1. jZip is fast but quite tricky to use. The zip action takes place so fast that you wonder whether your files have been zipped or not.
2. If you think you want to try jZip, then download and install.
3. To create a zip file, first create an empty folder and name it. Drag some files into that folder. Then right-click on the folder and select jZip from the menu, and Add to jZip in the adjacent selection panel. Two things will pop up, one is the Add message box, the other is the jZip window. 
4. To create a new zip file, click New. Your compressed file will show up in the jZip window. You will be able to see the icon and name of your compressed file.
5. If you wish to add more files to the same jZip window, click Insert. All the files are viewable in the jZip window. That's it.
6. To open a zip file using jZip, click View and select the file you wish to open. That's it.

Will edit the instructions later ...