Difference between revisions of "How to Compress Your Files"

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</ul>
</ul>


<p>Because of this, sometimes we’d be willing to sacrifice some convenience to
<p>Because of this, sometimes we'd be willing to sacrifice some convenience to
achieve a reduction in the file size by compressing the file. Compression
achieve a reduction in the file size by compressing the file. Compression
programs process the file so that it takes less space, and changes the format
programs process the file so that it takes less space, and changes the format
Line 33: Line 33:


<p>For files like word processing documents and spreadsheets, any loss of data
<p>For files like word processing documents and spreadsheets, any loss of data
is unacceptable, so for the rest of this document we’ll only be discussing
is unacceptable, so for the rest of this document we'll only be discussing
lossless compression.</p>
lossless compression.</p>


Line 62: Line 62:


<p>As we mentioned earlier, Windows/XP is capable of compressing and decompressing
<p>As we mentioned earlier, Windows/XP is capable of compressing and decompressing
ZIP files. However, its facilites are not as comprehensive as other packages, but is
ZIP files. However, its facilities are not as comprehensive as other packages, but is
adequate for EG1004.</p>
adequate for EG1004.</p>


Line 70: Line 70:
time. After that period has expired, you should buy a copy of the software if
time. After that period has expired, you should buy a copy of the software if
you plan to continue to use it, or delete it from your system. Usually
you plan to continue to use it, or delete it from your system. Usually
purchasing the software just requires to buy the software through the same Web
purchasing the software just requires buying the software through the same Web
site that you got the evaluation copy, and they supply the means to turn your  
site that you got the evaluation copy, and they supply the means to turn your  
evaluation software into a licensed copy that you can then use indefinitely.
evaluation software into a licensed copy that you can then use indefinitely.
Line 77: Line 77:
continue to run, but will inform you that the evaluation period is over and that
continue to run, but will inform you that the evaluation period is over and that
you should buy it if you intend to continue to use it. In this case, you should
you should buy it if you intend to continue to use it. In this case, you should
know that continuing to use the software without buying it will work, but it is
know that continuing to use the software without buying it will work, but doing
illegal (and unethical) to do so.</p>
so is illegal (and unethical).</p>


<p>The original compression program was called ZIP, which is where the file type
<p>The original compression program was called ZIP, which is where the file type
originated, and was implemented for MS-DOS in the 1980s. Its most recent version
originated, and was implemented for MS-DOS in the 1980s. Its most recent version
is called WinZIP, and is available online at http://www.winzip.com/. It has
is called WinZIP, and is available online at http://www.winzip.com/. It has
an evaluation version that’s good for 45 days. After that you should purchase the
an evaluation version that's good for 45 days. After that you should purchase the
software if you plan to use it.</p>
software if you plan to use it.</p>


<p>A more recent compression program is called WinRAR, and is available at
<p>A more recent compression program is called WinRAR, and is available at
http://www.rarlab.com/. WinRAR can produce ZIP files, and can also produce an
http://www.rarlab.com/. WinRAR can produce ZIP files, and can also produce an
additional RAR format as well. The site has an evaluation version that’s good for
additional RAR format as well. The site has an evaluation version that's good for
40 days. After that you should purchase the
40 days. After that you should purchase the
software if you plan to use it.</p>
software if you plan to use it.</p>
Line 96: Line 96:
<h3>Windows/XP</h3>
<h3>Windows/XP</h3>


The facilities provided with Windows/XP are now the most elegant, but they'll get
The facilities provided with Windows/XP are not the most elegant, but they'll get
the job done with a little work.
the job done with a little work.


<p><b>Compressing a single file</b></p>
<p><b>Compressing a single file</b></p>


<p>Compressing a single file is easy. Under “My Computer�? navigate to the place
<p>Compressing a single file is easy. Under "My Computer" navigate to the place
where the file to be compressed is. Figure 1 shows a typical screen image.</p>
where the file to be compressed is. Figure 1 shows a typical screen image.</p>


<p align=center>[[Image:Winzip_1.png]]</p>
[[Image:Winzip_1.png|thumb|750px|center|Figure 1: Typical "My Computer" screen image with dropdown menu]]


<p class=caption>Figure 1: Tyical "My Computer" screen image with dropdown menu</p>
<p>When you see the icon of the file, right click on the icon. This will bring
up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be "Send to". Click
this menu item and another pulldown menu will appear (this will also happen if you
"hover" over the menu item). On this pulldown, select "Compressed (zipped) folder".
Selecting this menu item will create the equivalent zipped file, with the same
filename, but a .zip file extension. The original file will be present as well.</p>
 
<p><b>Compressing Multiple Files</b></p>
 
<p>It's almost as easy to compress multiple files into a single zipped file:</p>
 
<p>Select all the files you want to put into a single zip file by selecting the
first file. Then, hold down the "Ctrl" key and select the other files you want to
be in the zipped file. As you select each file, it should be highlighted. When you're
done, right click on any file. This will bring
up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be "Send to". Click
this menu item and another pulldown menu will appear (this will also happen if you
"hover" over the menu item). On this pulldown, select "Compressed (zipped) folder".
Selecting this menu item will create the equivalent zipped file, with the same
filename as the first filename selected, but a .zip file extension. The original
files will be present as well. This zip file may not have the name you want. In that
case, click on the filename twice slowly (essentially two single clicks) and the
filename will be highlighted inside a box, indicating it can be changed. Type in the
filename you want to use fo the zip file, and when you're done, click somewhere else
on the screen.</p>
 
<h3>Windows Vista</h3>
 
The facilities provided with Windows Vista are essentially identical to Windows/XP so
they are not the most elegant, but they'll get the job done with a little work.
 
<p><b>Compressing a single file</b></p>
 
<p>Compressing a single file is easy. Click on the Start button and click on the
<b><i>Computer</i></b> item on the menu on the right side. On the popup window that
appears, navigate to the place where the file to be compressed is. Figure 1 shows a
typical screen image.</p>
 
[[Image:Winzip_1.png|thumb|750px|center|Figure 1: Typical <i>Computer</i> screen image with dropdown menu]]


<p>When you see the icon of the file, right click on the icon. This will bring
<p>When you see the icon of the file, right click on the icon. This will bring
up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be “Send to�?. Click
up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be "Send to". Click
this menu item and another pulldown menu will appear (this will also happen if you
this menu item and another pulldown menu will appear (this will also happen if you
"hover" over the menu item). On this pulldown, select "Compressed zipped) folder".
"hover" over the menu item). On this pulldown, select "Compressed (zipped) folder".
Selecting this menu item will create the equivalent zipped file, with the same
Selecting this menu item will create the equivalent zipped file, with the same
filename, but a .zip file extension. The original file will be present as well.
filename, but a .zip file extension. The original file will be present as well.</p>


<p><b>Compressing Multiple Files</b></p>
<p><b>Compressing Multiple Files</b></p>


<p>It’s almost as easy to compress multiple files into a single zipped file:</p>
<p>It's almost as easy to compress multiple files into a single zipped file:</p>


<p>Slect all the files you want to put into a single zip file by selecting the
<p>Select all the files you want to put into a single zip file by selecting the
first file. Then, hold down the "Ctrl" key and slect the other files you want to
first file. Then, hold down the "Ctrl" key and select the other files you want to
be in the zipped file. As you select each file, it should be highlighted. When you're
be in the zipped file. As you select each file, it should be highlighted. When you're
done, right click on any file. This will bring
done, right click on any file. This will bring
up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be “Send to�?. Click
up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be "Send to". Click
this menu item and another pulldown menu will appear (this will also happen if you
this menu item and another pulldown menu will appear (this will also happen if you
"hover" over the menu item). On this pulldown, select "Compressed zipped) folder".
"hover" over the menu item). On this pulldown, select "Compressed (zipped) folder".
Selecting this menu item will create the equivalent zipped file, with the same
Selecting this menu item will create the equivalent zipped file, with the same
filename as the first filename selected, but a .zip file extension. The original
filename as the first filename selected, but a .zip file extension. The original
Line 136: Line 174:
<h3>WinRAR</h3>
<h3>WinRAR</h3>


<p>In the text that follows, we’ll use WinRAR as the typical way these programs
<p>In the text that follows, we'll use WinRAR as the typical way these programs
work.</p>
work.</p>


<p>First, install the program from the seller’s Web site just by following their
<p>First, install the program from the seller's Web site just by following their
instructions. Since they’re trying to sell you their software, they make it very
instructions. Since they're trying to sell you their software, they make it very
easy to do the installation.</p>
easy to do the installation.</p>


<p><b>Compressing a single file</b></p>
<p><b>Compressing a single file</b></p>


<p>Compressing a single file is easy. Under “My Computer�? navigate to the place
<p>Compressing a single file is easy. Under "My Computer" navigate to the place
where the file to be compressed is. Figure 1 shows a typical screen image.</p>
where the file to be compressed is. Figure 2 shows a typical screen image.</p>


<p align=center>[[Image:Winzip_1.png]]</p>
[[Image:Winzip_1.png|thumb|750px|center|Figure 2: Typical "My Computer" screen image with dropdown menu]]
 
<p class=caption>Figure 1: Tyical "My Computer" screen image with dropdown menu</p>


<p>When you see the icon of the file, right click on the icon. This will bring
<p>When you see the icon of the file, right click on the icon. This will bring
up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be “Add to Archive�?. Click
up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be "Add to Archive". Click
this menu item and a popup window menu will appear. Figure 2 shows what this
this menu item and a popup window menu will appear. Figure 3 shows what this
window looks like.</p>
window looks like.</p>


<p align=center>[[Image:Winzip_2.png]]</p>
[[Image:Winzip_2.png|thumb|750px|center|Figure 3: WinRAR popup window]]
 
<p class=caption>Figure 2: WinRAR popup window</p>


<p>At the top of the window will be the name of the file you selected, but with
<p>At the top of the window will be the name of the file you selected, but with
an extension of “rar�?. Below it you’ll see a list called “Archive format�? with
an extension of "rar". Below it you'll see a list called "Archive format" with
two items: RAR and ZIP, with RAR selected. Click on the “radio button�? next to
two items: RAR and ZIP, with RAR selected. Click on the "radio button" next to
ZIP. Note that the filename at the top of the window has now changed to the
ZIP. Note that the filename at the top of the window has now changed to the
filename with an extension of “zip�?. Leave all of the option boxes unchecked.
filename with an extension of "zip". Leave all of the option boxes unchecked.
Click OK, and the archive compressed file will be produced. Figure 3 shows the
Click OK, and the archive compressed file will be produced. Figure 4 shows the
new icon that will appear in the "My Computer" file listing.</p>
new icon that will appear in the "My Computer" file listing.</p>


<p align=center>[[Image:Winzip_3.gif]]</p>
[[Image:Winzip_3.gif|frame|center|Figure 4: WinRAR Archive Icon]]
 
<p class=caption>Figure 3: WinRAR Archive Icon</p>


<p> It’s that easy!</p>
<p> It's that easy!</p>


<p><b>Compressing Multiple Files</b></p>
<p><b>Compressing Multiple Files</b></p>


<p>It’s almost as easy to compress multiple files into a single archive. There
<p>It's almost as easy to compress multiple files into a single archive. There
are two ways to do this, with the second way probably being the easiest:</p>
are two ways to do this, with the second way probably being the easiest:</p>


Line 184: Line 216:
in the preceding section, with one difference. When you archive the first file,
in the preceding section, with one difference. When you archive the first file,
enter a filename for the Archive Name that you can remember, change the type to
enter a filename for the Archive Name that you can remember, change the type to
“ZIP�? and hit OK. For the other files, click “Add to Archive�? like you did
"ZIP" and hit OK. For the other files, click "Add to Archive" like you did
before, and keep typing in the filename and changing the type to “ZIP�? each
before, and keep typing in the filename and changing the type to "ZIP" each
time. This will keep adding files to the archive compressed file one file at a
time. This will keep adding files to the archive compressed file one file at a
time. Keep doing this until you’ve add all the files you want.</li>
time. Keep doing this until you've add all the files you want.</li>


<li>Put all the files you want to compress as a group in their own directory. To
<li>Put all the files you want to compress as a group in their own directory. To
make a new directory, click on “My Computer�?, then the drive you want to use. If
make a new directory, click on "My Computer", then the drive you want to use. If
you want to put these files in a subfolder, click on the folders until you get
you want to put these files in a subfolder, click on the folders until you get
where you want to be. Right click on the window somewhere where there is not an
where you want to be. Right click on the window somewhere where there is not an
icon, and a popup menu will appear. One of the menu options is “New�?. Click on
icon, and a popup menu will appear. One of the menu options is "New". Click on
it and another popup menu will appear. One of its options is “Folder�?. Click on
it and another popup menu will appear. One of its options is "Folder". Click on
this option. Figure 4 shows the menus that appear. A new folder will appear in
this option. Figure 5 shows the menus that appear. A new folder will appear in
the list, with a name of “New Folder�?. This name isn’t too helpful, so we’ll
the list, with a name of "New Folder". This name isn't too helpful, so we'll
change it to a name we like. To do this, click on the “New Folder�? name, and a
change it to a name we like. To do this, click on the "New Folder" name, and a
box will appear around it with the “New Folder�? highlighted. Press delete to
box will appear around it with the "New Folder" highlighted. Press delete to
erase the name, and then enter the name you want to use for the folder.</li>
erase the name, and then enter the name you want to use for the folder.</li>
</ol>
</ol>


<p align=center>[[Image:Winzip_4.png]]</p>
[[Image:Winzip_4.png|thumb|750px|center|Figure 5: Making a new directory]]
 
<p class=caption>Figure 4: Making a new directory</p>


<p>Next, copy the files you want to compress as a group into this folder. You
<p>Next, copy the files you want to compress as a group into this folder. You
typically do this by navigating where the files you want are, and then selecting
typically do this by navigating where the files you want are, and then selecting
the files. Note that if you hold down the “Ctrl�? key while you click on files,
the files. Note that if you hold down the "Ctrl" key while you click on files,
you can select more than one at a time. Figure 5 shows this process. Now navigate
you can select more than one at a time. Figure 5 shows this process. Now navigate
back to your new folder and double click it. This will open the folder. Now right
back to your new folder and double click it. This will open the folder. Now right
click on the area and select “Paste�? and copies of the files you want to compress
click on the area and select "Paste" and copies of the files you want to compress
will appear. Continue doing this until you have all the files you want. Next, near
will appear. Continue doing this until you have all the files you want. Next, near
the top of the window you’ll see a folder with a green arrow pointing upward.
the top of the window you'll see a folder with a green arrow pointing upward.
Click on this icon and you’ll go up one level and see your folder icon. Right
Click on this icon and you'll go up one level and see your folder icon. Right
click the icon, and on the popup menu that appears, select “Add to Archive�?. On
click the icon, and on the popup menu that appears, select "Add to Archive". On
the popup menu that appears, select ZIP instead of RAR and take a look at the
the popup menu that appears, select ZIP instead of RAR and take a look at the
filename – it’s the same as the folder name, but has a “zip�? extension. Select
filename – it's the same as the folder name, but has a "zip" extension. Select
OK. The compressed group of files will be made, and you’ll see the compressed
OK. The compressed group of files will be made, and you'll see the compressed
archive file appear in the list of files. You’re done!</p>
archive file appear in the list of files. You're done!</p>


<p align=center>[[Image:Winzip_5.png]]</p>
[[Image:Winzip_5.png|thumb|750px|center|Figure 6: Files being selected]]
 
<p class=caption>Figure 5: Files being selected</p>


<h3>WinZIP</h3>
<h3>WinZIP</h3>
Line 229: Line 257:
<p>You can use WinZIP the same way as WinRAR but this time you the default
<p>You can use WinZIP the same way as WinRAR but this time you the default
extension is .zip.  Just right click on the file you would like to ZIP up and
extension is .zip.  Just right click on the file you would like to ZIP up and
then select “add to…�?.  </p>
then select "add to…".  </p>


<p align=center>[[Image:Winzip_6.png]]</p>
[[Image:Winzip_6.png|frame|center|Figure 7: WinZIP Popup menu]]
 
<p class=caption>Figure 6: WinZIP Popup menu</p>


<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


<p>And then you are done.  Figure 7 shows the icon for the archive that was made.</p>
<p>And then you are done.  Figure 8 shows the icon for the archive that was made.</p>
 
<p align=center>[[Image:Winzip_7.png]]</p>


<p class=caption>Figure 7: WinZIP Archive Icon</p>
[[Image:Winzip_7.png|frame|center|Figure 8: WinZIP Archive Icon]]


<p>For multiple files, the procedure is the same as for WinRAR, and is described
<p>For multiple files, the procedure is the same as for WinRAR, and is described

Latest revision as of 03:21, 18 August 2022

How to Compress Your Files

When we produce data and store it, we typically use whatever format the software requires or produces on our behalf. Sometimes these files can be very large, which creates several problems:

  • These files take up a considerable amount of disk space
  • If we transmit these files to another computer, it can take a long time because of all the data that needs to be transmitted
  • We can exceed disk quotas, preventing us from storing more data

Because of this, sometimes we'd be willing to sacrifice some convenience to achieve a reduction in the file size by compressing the file. Compression programs process the file so that it takes less space, and changes the format of the file to one that they use to achieve this compression. This means we have to process the file twice; first, to compress it into this special form and second, to decompress it back to its original form.

Compression is a very common practice in computer technology. There are two forms of compression:

  1. Lossy compression, which causes some of the precision of the data to be lost. This is typically used for computer images, where the loss is hard to see, but the image can be stored in much less space
  2. Lossless compression, where all the original data can be recovered

For files like word processing documents and spreadsheets, any loss of data is unacceptable, so for the rest of this document we'll only be discussing lossless compression.

In addition to compression, many of these programs will also allow you to combine multiple documents into a single compressed file. This way, related files can travel together as a group, and then be recovered individually. This type of file is typically called an archive.

Compression File Types

There are several file types in use today for compressed files. The first is called a ZIP file, and is one of the oldest compression formats. It is probably the format in widest use, and does an excellent job of compressing files without losing information. The second is called a RAR file, and is a newer format. This format may compress the file more, still with no loss of information, but is not as widely used as ZIP files.

Windows XP is capable of compressing and decompressing ZIP files since they are such a widely used file format.

There are a number of other compression formats in use, such as tar and gz, but they are beyond the scope of this document.

In EG1004, when we want you to process compressed files, we use the ZIP format due to its wide use.

Compression Programs

As we mentioned earlier, Windows/XP is capable of compressing and decompressing ZIP files. However, its facilities are not as comprehensive as other packages, but is adequate for EG1004.

The most popular compression programs are available on the Web, so this is the easiest way to obtain them. They all use the same business model, where you can download an evaluation copy of the software that will run for some period of time. After that period has expired, you should buy a copy of the software if you plan to continue to use it, or delete it from your system. Usually purchasing the software just requires buying the software through the same Web site that you got the evaluation copy, and they supply the means to turn your evaluation software into a licensed copy that you can then use indefinitely. In some cases, in order to force this decision, the software will automatically disable itself after the evaluation period. Other software will continue to run, but will inform you that the evaluation period is over and that you should buy it if you intend to continue to use it. In this case, you should know that continuing to use the software without buying it will work, but doing so is illegal (and unethical).

The original compression program was called ZIP, which is where the file type originated, and was implemented for MS-DOS in the 1980s. Its most recent version is called WinZIP, and is available online at http://www.winzip.com/. It has an evaluation version that's good for 45 days. After that you should purchase the software if you plan to use it.

A more recent compression program is called WinRAR, and is available at http://www.rarlab.com/. WinRAR can produce ZIP files, and can also produce an additional RAR format as well. The site has an evaluation version that's good for 40 days. After that you should purchase the software if you plan to use it.

Typical Usage

Windows/XP

The facilities provided with Windows/XP are not the most elegant, but they'll get the job done with a little work.

Compressing a single file

Compressing a single file is easy. Under "My Computer" navigate to the place where the file to be compressed is. Figure 1 shows a typical screen image.

Figure 1: Typical "My Computer" screen image with dropdown menu

When you see the icon of the file, right click on the icon. This will bring up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be "Send to". Click this menu item and another pulldown menu will appear (this will also happen if you "hover" over the menu item). On this pulldown, select "Compressed (zipped) folder". Selecting this menu item will create the equivalent zipped file, with the same filename, but a .zip file extension. The original file will be present as well.

Compressing Multiple Files

It's almost as easy to compress multiple files into a single zipped file:

Select all the files you want to put into a single zip file by selecting the first file. Then, hold down the "Ctrl" key and select the other files you want to be in the zipped file. As you select each file, it should be highlighted. When you're done, right click on any file. This will bring up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be "Send to". Click this menu item and another pulldown menu will appear (this will also happen if you "hover" over the menu item). On this pulldown, select "Compressed (zipped) folder". Selecting this menu item will create the equivalent zipped file, with the same filename as the first filename selected, but a .zip file extension. The original files will be present as well. This zip file may not have the name you want. In that case, click on the filename twice slowly (essentially two single clicks) and the filename will be highlighted inside a box, indicating it can be changed. Type in the filename you want to use fo the zip file, and when you're done, click somewhere else on the screen.

Windows Vista

The facilities provided with Windows Vista are essentially identical to Windows/XP so they are not the most elegant, but they'll get the job done with a little work.

Compressing a single file

Compressing a single file is easy. Click on the Start button and click on the Computer item on the menu on the right side. On the popup window that appears, navigate to the place where the file to be compressed is. Figure 1 shows a typical screen image.

Figure 1: Typical Computer screen image with dropdown menu

When you see the icon of the file, right click on the icon. This will bring up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be "Send to". Click this menu item and another pulldown menu will appear (this will also happen if you "hover" over the menu item). On this pulldown, select "Compressed (zipped) folder". Selecting this menu item will create the equivalent zipped file, with the same filename, but a .zip file extension. The original file will be present as well.

Compressing Multiple Files

It's almost as easy to compress multiple files into a single zipped file:

Select all the files you want to put into a single zip file by selecting the first file. Then, hold down the "Ctrl" key and select the other files you want to be in the zipped file. As you select each file, it should be highlighted. When you're done, right click on any file. This will bring up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be "Send to". Click this menu item and another pulldown menu will appear (this will also happen if you "hover" over the menu item). On this pulldown, select "Compressed (zipped) folder". Selecting this menu item will create the equivalent zipped file, with the same filename as the first filename selected, but a .zip file extension. The original files will be present as well. This zip file may not have the name you want. In that case, click on the filename twice slowly (essntially two single clicks) and the filename will be highlighted inside a box, indicating it can be changed. Type in the filename you want to use fo the zip file, and when you're done, click somewhere else on the screen.

WinRAR

In the text that follows, we'll use WinRAR as the typical way these programs work.

First, install the program from the seller's Web site just by following their instructions. Since they're trying to sell you their software, they make it very easy to do the installation.

Compressing a single file

Compressing a single file is easy. Under "My Computer" navigate to the place where the file to be compressed is. Figure 2 shows a typical screen image.

Figure 2: Typical "My Computer" screen image with dropdown menu

When you see the icon of the file, right click on the icon. This will bring up a popup menu. One of the items in the menu will be "Add to Archive". Click this menu item and a popup window menu will appear. Figure 3 shows what this window looks like.

Figure 3: WinRAR popup window

At the top of the window will be the name of the file you selected, but with an extension of "rar". Below it you'll see a list called "Archive format" with two items: RAR and ZIP, with RAR selected. Click on the "radio button" next to ZIP. Note that the filename at the top of the window has now changed to the filename with an extension of "zip". Leave all of the option boxes unchecked. Click OK, and the archive compressed file will be produced. Figure 4 shows the new icon that will appear in the "My Computer" file listing.

Figure 4: WinRAR Archive Icon

 It's that easy!

Compressing Multiple Files

It's almost as easy to compress multiple files into a single archive. There are two ways to do this, with the second way probably being the easiest:

  1. Add the files to an archive one file at a time by following the instructions in the preceding section, with one difference. When you archive the first file, enter a filename for the Archive Name that you can remember, change the type to "ZIP" and hit OK. For the other files, click "Add to Archive" like you did before, and keep typing in the filename and changing the type to "ZIP" each time. This will keep adding files to the archive compressed file one file at a time. Keep doing this until you've add all the files you want.
  2. Put all the files you want to compress as a group in their own directory. To make a new directory, click on "My Computer", then the drive you want to use. If you want to put these files in a subfolder, click on the folders until you get where you want to be. Right click on the window somewhere where there is not an icon, and a popup menu will appear. One of the menu options is "New". Click on it and another popup menu will appear. One of its options is "Folder". Click on this option. Figure 5 shows the menus that appear. A new folder will appear in the list, with a name of "New Folder". This name isn't too helpful, so we'll change it to a name we like. To do this, click on the "New Folder" name, and a box will appear around it with the "New Folder" highlighted. Press delete to erase the name, and then enter the name you want to use for the folder.
Figure 5: Making a new directory

Next, copy the files you want to compress as a group into this folder. You typically do this by navigating where the files you want are, and then selecting the files. Note that if you hold down the "Ctrl" key while you click on files, you can select more than one at a time. Figure 5 shows this process. Now navigate back to your new folder and double click it. This will open the folder. Now right click on the area and select "Paste" and copies of the files you want to compress will appear. Continue doing this until you have all the files you want. Next, near the top of the window you'll see a folder with a green arrow pointing upward. Click on this icon and you'll go up one level and see your folder icon. Right click the icon, and on the popup menu that appears, select "Add to Archive". On the popup menu that appears, select ZIP instead of RAR and take a look at the filename – it's the same as the folder name, but has a "zip" extension. Select OK. The compressed group of files will be made, and you'll see the compressed archive file appear in the list of files. You're done!

Figure 6: Files being selected

WinZIP

You can use WinZIP the same way as WinRAR but this time you the default extension is .zip.  Just right click on the file you would like to ZIP up and then select "add to…". 

Figure 7: WinZIP Popup menu

 

And then you are done.  Figure 8 shows the icon for the archive that was made.

Figure 8: WinZIP Archive Icon

For multiple files, the procedure is the same as for WinRAR, and is described above..

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