Zip files are compressed electronic files used by businesses to reduce space and make sending large files easier. They can be opened using zip file software, which extracts the documents in a few steps. Free extractors are available, but some operating systems already have software to open zip files.
Also known as compressed files, zip files are electronic files that have been zipped or compressed in a way that reduces the space needed to store the files. Businesses often use these file types for proposals, presentations, or any type of document that contains large amounts of data. This strategy makes the task of sending emails or uploading files to a secure site much easier. To open zip files, you must use one of several methods.
The most common approach used to open zip files is to use some sort of zip file software. The programs used to compress the files in the first place also contain protocols for extracting documents from those compressed files. With most software applications of this type, you simply follow the basic procedures identified by the manufacturer and the files are unzipped and ready to use. The best zip file extractors normally limit this to a few steps, such as double-clicking the zipped file, making it possible to view a list of all the documents contained in the zipped file.
The next step is to click on the file you want, which prompts the software to extract the document to another location on your hard drive, while simultaneously opening the document in its original format. From there, you can save the document in its original form, to your hard drive, thumb drive, or other remote drive.
While there are paid extractors, there are also a number of free zip file extractors that are free to download. Some of these require registration and will work once registration is complete. Others are paid versions of extractors that will only work for a limited time and possibly require the purchase of a license to access the full version. If all you need is a solution for opening zip files and you don’t need to create zip files, one of the free extractors would be a good option.
Because some operating systems include software that can be used to open zip files, it’s a good idea to check if you already have something before buying or downloading another product. All newer systems have the ability to open zip files, and most of them use the same basic set of steps used with standalone extractors. For people using an operating system released before 2000, there is little chance of having an extractor included with the operating system. Fortunately, there are versions of many free extractors that will work well on computers running older operating systems and have limited resources.
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