With all the possibilities some softwares can offer today, it's easy for a document to get bigger and bigger. So big, that it can be impossible to copy a document on a floppy disk! A way of by-passing this situation is to "cut" it in several smaller documents and to send them on several floppy disks. This is not really practical because it's now necessary to manage several documents instead of only one. Furthermore, this will not settle the case of files with big images. A single image can easily exceed the maximal capacity of a floppy disk. The compression of the file could reduce enough the size so that it can then able to enter it on a floppy disk.
Another situation where the compression can be advantageous is to archive a series of files that are not useful at the moment. You can increase the available space by creating a compressed file that contains all the files to be archived. This frees space for other documents or other applications.
Note.
For safety reasons, don't forget to make a copy of the compressed file
and to send it on a floppy disk or another medium. Imagine your loss if the
compressed file was corrupted for a reason or another. You could lose all the
files that were archived there.
A compression / decompression software can be very useful. They take one or
several files and create a new compressed file. This compressed file can contain
all the files that you wanted to compress. It's also possible to later add
or to erase files in the compressed file. The concept is that you can then extract
a file at the moment or you need it. You need however a compression software.
Because there are several software, there are also several file formats for
compression. Among the most widespread formats, there are the BOW, ARJ, LZH
and ZIP formats on PC, TAR and GZIP on UNIX. The most popular of these formats
for PC is the ZIP format. There is even an expression that you " zip " a file
when you want to compress it. Although the PKWare company has popularized the
compression of files and the ZIP format under the DOS operating system with
its PKZip software (especially the 2.04g version ), it's the WinZip software
that is at present the most popular under Windows. The main reasons of this
popularity are its ease of use, its capacity to read and to create files compressed
in several formats (mentioned above) and as well as this software was from the first available under Windows. It's for all those reasons that this page
concentrates on the workings of WinZip. However, the same concepts apply to
all the compression software.
Inside any document, there is redundancy: parts that you can find several
times. For example, you can find the words " There is " several times inside
a letter. There are several techniques to compress. The simplest one to explain
is the replacement. The software of compression / decompression will
find these redundancies and to replace them by a shorter series of characters
such as " There is " could be replaced by " @X ". At the time of extracting
the document of the compressed file, " @X " will be replaced by " There is ".
There are the other techniques for even more compression. This is just to give
you an idea of how compression software works. The compression ratio varies
according to the type of file (document, image, program...). Most programs and
images are already compressed.
To have an evaluation copy of the Winzip software, go to the company's site
of the at http://www.winzip.com. Then, select
the Download Evaluation Version option. On the next page, select the
option
Windows will ask you where to place the Winzip81.exe file.
Select
the place of your choice. Press
the Save button.
Warning!
Although this software is available on several sites, it's doesn't mean that
it's free. This is a trial version. When you ended your evaluation phase, you
have a choice to make. You can keep this software by paying the Winzip company
by mail or electronically or you can remove this software from your computer.
Having copied the file of the Internet on a hard drive, it's necessary to install
it on your computer.
Open
the explorer. Select
the drive and the folder where you saved the Winzip81.exe file. Execute
the file winzip81.exe by double-clicking on it OR Select
the file and press the Enter key.
The first window for the installation of the software will appear. Every application
has an installation program similar to this one. Read carefully the instructions
and make the choices that best answer your needs.
Press
the Setup button.
The installation program asks you where you want to install the WinZip program.
Unless
you want to change the recommended place in the box, press the OK
button.
The program will take a moment to prepare the installation.
A new window will appear and give you more information about the potential
of the software. Take a moment to read it.
Press
the Next button.
As any software, there is a legal warning informing you that the software is
supplied " as-is". The company is not responsible for your use of the software.
And, to the best of their knowledge, the software works correctly in all the
circumstances. This " license Agreement " informs you from the other things
that you are not the owner of the software. This only gives you the right to
use the software legally. This is a limited trial period version. For more details,
press the button " View License Agreement
".
To
continue, press the Yes button.
This window asks you if you want to use an assistant ( the " wizard " ) or
in standard " classic" mode. Because this page explains all of Winzip's
options, you'll really never need the "wizard".
Select
the option: " Start with WinZip Classic ". Press
the Next button.
The installation program gives you the choice between a fast configuration
(express) or Custom configuration for Winzip. Those that have a little knowledge
in installing software can easily take the second option. Just read carefully
the text and to choose the options that you prefer. It's not that hard.
Select
the Express setup ( recommended ) option. Press the Next button.
The installation software informs you that it will be installing the software
as soon as you press the Finish button.
If
you wish to change an option, press the Back button. OR Press
the Finish button.
After the software is installed, it will open WinZip. You can use it
from that moment. It changed the Program menu under the Start button usually
located in the left lower corner of the screen. There is now a new section for
Winzip. The next time when you'll want to use the WinZip software, it will be
necessary to open of file and to execute the program by a clicking on .
At the moment, you go to receive a " zipped " file; a compressed file that
as a " .zip " extension. The next part explains how to extract a file from a
compressed file. If you want to try, click the floppy disk .
You can then save the test.zip file on a floppy disk, open WinZip and
complete the exercise. It's not however necessary to make the exercise to understand
how extract a file. This is just another way to try to understand how it works..
To be able to extract a file from a compressed file, it's first necessary to
open a compressed file.
To
open a compressed file, press the
button . OR From
the File menu, select the option Open Archive.
Select
the test.zip file or any other compressed file you want to access. Press
the Open button.
The list of files contained in the compressed file will appear in the window.
To extract the files from the compressed file.
Select
one or several files to be extracted from the list of files contained in the
compressed file. Press
the button. OR From
the Actions menu, select the option Extract.
WinZip will ask you where you want to store these extracted files.
Of
the Folders / drives box, select the drive and the folder in that you
want to save one or several selected files.
On the left side of the window, Winzip offers you some options.
The first box is the list of the available drive and folder on your PC. You
can choose the drive of your choice from this box.
The second box is to determine the selection of files. WinZip offers you a
second chance to choose the files to be extracted. In the previous window, you
selected one or several files that you wanted to extract. If it's still the
case, select the Selected Files option. It's still possible to choose all the
files contained in the compressed file and to extract them by selecting the
All files option. You can also be more precise and choose files the name
of that answers certain criteria. The ? and * characters are
used as wildcards.
? Is used to replace one character in the name of the file. So, if you
enter in the files box b?lle.doc, WinZip could extract balle.doc as well as
bille.doc and bxlle.doc etc. You can use so many ? that you want. But ? always
replace only one character. The * character replaces a series of characters.
It can replace several characters. So, if you enter ba*.doc, WinZip will extract all the documents witch the name of file begins with " BA" and the
extension is " .doc ".
If the Overwrite Existing Files option is activated, this allows WinZip
to write over a file with the same name without previously asking for your
permission. This is practical to update a file among several files.
If the Skip older files option is activated, this allows WinZip not
to extract a file from the compressed file that already exists in the file
if this one is older than the one contained in the folder. This avoids crushing
a file that is a newer version of your document. Only the most recent version,
judged by the date and time of the last update, will stay in the file.
The Use folder names option is practical when you compressed not only
files but also files contained in folders. If the option is active, WinZip will extract files but also files with files inside the requested folders.
WinZip will recreate a file with the name of the folder and it's structure.
If the option is not active, all the files will be extracted in the file of
destination. There will be no "sub-directory", or folders, containing the other
files. All the files, even those included in the folders will be extracted at
the same place.
Select
the options of your choice and press the Extract button.
WinZip will take a few moments to read the compressed files and to copy
them in the folder of your choice. This does not affect the contents of the
compressed file. Files contained in the compressed file are still available
to be extracted as often as required. Until a file is deleted by the compressed
file that will be explained farther on this page.
Be careful! Do not remove the floppy disk from the drive during the transfer or the
extraction, if it's used or switch off the computer. This could corrupt the
compressed file and lose the files included in it ! In the lower right corner
of the window, there is a red light that shines to warn not to key you the
drives or the computer. WinZip is trying to compress or to extract one or several
files that you asked. You can make the any other operations when the green light
is switched on.
If the compressed file is too big to enter on a single floppy disk, Winzip
will ask you to insert the last floppy disk containing the compressed
file. Then the program will ask you to insert the first floppy disk of
the lot and will begin to extract. This is necessary to know at that
moment it's necessary to stop.
Fast extraction
There is a faster way to extract one or more files from a compressed file.
You just need to Drag'n Drop the file outside the Winzip window.
If
the Winzip application is taking all the screen, press on the located
at the top right of the window.
The Winzip application window will only one a part of the screen.
Select
the files your require. Place
the pointer on top on one of the requested files. While
keeping a finger on the right mouse button, drag the pointer outside the Winzip
window. Choose any location you like.
Winzip will automatically decompress all the files where you asked.
There are two stages to with a compressed file with documents inside of it.
You must first create a compressed file. It's only after that you can fill it
with the documents you want.
For the creation of an empty compressed file:
Press
the button. OR From
the File menu, select the New Archives option .
Of
the box in the upper left corner of the window, select the drive where will
be created the compressed file.
Select the folder ( formerly called a directory) where you want to place the
compressed file. In
the Name of file box, write the name that you want to give to your compressed
file. In
the show types box, leave the file format to Zip files. Press
the OK button.
WinZip will take a moment to create and open the new compressed
file. It's possible to you to add as many documents to a compressed file. But
only when it's opened!
Once the creation of a compressed file is ended, the following window will appear. It's of this window that you select the files to add files to the
compressed file.
To add a file to the compressed file.
Select
first the drive where meets itself files to be added. Select
then the folder ( formerly called a directory) where is located the file to
be added. Select
the file by clicking the name of the file. Press
the Add button.
The file will be then copied in the compressed file. This does not affects
the original file. A copy of the file is sent to the compressed file.
There are several ways to select a file. You can simply click the file in
question. It's also possible to choose several files at the same time.
To select a continuous block of files:
Click
on the first file of the continuous block to be selected. While pressing on the Shift key, click on the last file of the block.
Use the horizontal or vertical bar to move you if you don't see the last file
of shown in the screen.
To select several files that are not the one next to each other:
Click on the first file of the series of files to be selected. While pressing on the key Ctrl, click on the other files to be selected.
For deselect a file:
Always
keep a finger on the key Ctrl and click a second time on the file in
question.
You can combine the last two techniques to select the files you need.
There is a last way of selecting files: by using the special characters? And
*. In English, they are called " wildcards ". These special characters replace
one or some (*) characters in the name of the file. As for the case of the files
of the image below, these begin all with "ball". So, it's possible to enter
" boule*.gif " for , select the same files. This can be faster than to select
each of the files. But it's necessary to can previously the name of files compress.
When
you'll have entered your criterion in the name box, press the Add with Wildcard
button.
The options
You probably noticed that at the time of adding files to the compressed file
that there are several options. The next part explains them quickly.
Password
Winzip allows you to add a password to the compressed file. Only the persons
who have this password can reach this document. In fact, there are programs
on the Internet to "crack" the password. This option is available from the window
to add documents to a compressed file or from the Options menu and Password.
At the time of entering the password, Winzip will ask you to enter it
twice to make sure that it is written correctly.
Action
Add (and replace) rows (by default)
Add and replaces files with the same name
by the most recent.
Freshen existing take off
Replace files with the same name by those
with the most recent date.
Move take off
Move files asked in the compressed file. These
files are removed from the hard drive. They are only now in the compressed
file.
Update and add take off
Replace files with the same name by those
with the most recent date and adds files to the compressed file.
Compression
There are several levels of compression. This determines the final size of
the compressed file but also the time of it will take to create it or add files.
The more the file is compressed, the more it will set of time to create it.
The current computers are so fast that it's difficult to compare the levels
of compression. It's better leave it at the Normal compression level.
Maximum
Maximum of compression. More time to create
the compressed file.
Normal (by default)
Normal compression. Speed of normal compression.
Fast
Can of compression. Fast creation
Super fast
Some more of compression. Faster creation.
None
No compression. Files are added to their normal size in the "compressed"
file
Multiple disk span
Winzip's new option is to allow you to compress a too impressive document on
several so necessary floppy disks. So, a document that would not have been
able to , even compressed, to enter on a floppy disk can be now compressed and
transported on some floppy disks. It's better leave the option with Automatic.
Blind filename in 8.3 size(format)
Before the operating system Windows 95, BACK up to Windows 3.11, the names
of documents were limited to a maximum of eight characters. There was also a
"extension" of three characters to help to associate a document to an application.
For example, the toto.doc document is associated to Word, toto.wk1 in Lotus
1-2-3... activate this option only if you should put back documents to
persons using an operating system BACK or up to Windows 3.11. This is more and
more rare.
Folders
Include subfolders:
Include in the compressed file all the documents
that are in directories or "shirts" below the one that you are. For example,
you are in the directory named " Business documents ". You can decide to
add the documents that you will find in this file or to include "sub-directories"
(directories in a directory) that could be named "Contracts" or "Projects"
or "Staff"... With this option, you decide to include all the sub-directories
or nobody. You can not choose; everything or nothing.
Save extra folder info:
Protection as data the directory in that a
file was taken and put in the compressed file.
Attributes
Since the operating system BACK, it's possible to add "attributes" to files.
This is a way to manage files placed on a hard drive of the computer.
File of system
Absolutely required by the operating system
and should be protected against errors of operation.
Being hidden
Not to be used by the other less experimented
users.
Reading only
Do not to allow to modify the document
Archives
Here is the list of the available options with Winzip.
Include only yew will archive attribute is
set:
Reset will archives(archive) attribute:
Archives to all the documents eliminates the
attribute with the attribute that have. Summer added to the compressed
file.
Include system and hidden take off:
At the time of the compression, files having
the attribute System or Hidden are also added in the compressed
file.
When you ended to add files to the compressed file, don't especially forget
to close the file compressed before taking out the floppy disk of the drive
or switching off the computer. This could damage the compressed file.
From
the File menu, select the CloseArchives
option.
Fast compression
There's a faster way to compress a single file if it's on the desktop or accessible
through Windows' Explorer. Here's how:
Place
the pointer over the file you want to compress. Press
the right mouse button.
From the desktop
From Windows explorer
During the installation phase, Winzip added an option to compress in the context
menu.
From
the context menu, select Add to followed by the name of the file and
the Zip extension option.
If
you haven't bought Winzip yet, you'll have to press on the I agree button.
Winzip will then compress the file and leave in the save folder as the original
file.
Open
first the file compressed in that you want to add a file.
Press
the button
. Select
then the drive, the file and one or several files to be added. Press
the Add button.
When you ended to add files to the compressed file, don't especially forget
to close the file compressed before taking out the floppy disk of the drive
or switching off the computer. This could damage the compressed file.
From
the File menu, select the CloseArchives
option.
Select
one or several files to be deleted. From
the Actions menu select the Delete option. OR Press
the Delete key. OR Press
the Ctrl and D keys.
From this window you can choose to delete all the files in the compressed file
or only to remove those that you have already chosen (selected take off) or,
by using so necessary wildcards, to choose one or several files in your choice.
Select
on of the three options above. Press
the Delete button.
If you're not sure if this is the file you want, Winzip gives you the possibility
to preview it
Open
the compressed file.
A list of files contained in the compressed file will appear in the
window.
Select
of the list of files the file that you want to see.
Press
the button.
The following window will appear.
WinZip offers you three choices to see the document. He can open the program
that is associated with this file. It can also show it to you in ASCII format.
This is just a way to say in raw text. This option is only practical for "simple"
documents in text ( .txt ) format or in DOS format. The last option allows you
to choose the software with that you'll see the contents of the document.
Choose
from the three options and press the View button .
The document will appear in the software that you chose.
If you bring changes to the document and want to preserve it, Winzip will ask you if you want to update the file compressed with the newer version
of your document. It's up to you to decide if you want to save the newer version
or not.
Select
the place of your choice.
.
button .
button.
located
at the top right of the window.
button.
button
.
button.
