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Though zip files have been around for quite a while now, not everyone may be familiar with how to properly download them, and some people still might not have a clue what a zip file even is. Don't worry, I'll break it down for you (regardless of technological knowledge level) below: |
WHAT IS A ZIP FILE? |
| A zip file is a form of file compression that allows you to "zip" (see: put) multiple files in one convenient folder. |
WHY ZIP? |
| Because you can't simply place a folder on the web and allow people to download it, you are only allowed to download one file at a time (I suppose we have Al Gore to thank for that). Since "zipping" a folder turns it into a single file, it allows the downloader to receive a package of information/media/what have you all at once instead of downloading each component of the folder individually. |
HOW DO YOU KNOW ALL OF THIS? |
| Because I am a genius. |
HOW DO YOU CREATE A ZIP FILE? |
| Now that you have a newfound knowledge of what zip files are, you might want to create one yourself (zip files are GREAT for emails…instead of emailing 20-30 different attachments, you can zip all of those components into a single folder and send it as one attachment [though your email provider probably caps the amount of data you can send in a single email]). |
| Anyway, to create a zip file, all you have to do is place all of the files you want to include in your zipped file into a folder. Organize it however you wish inside of the folder, and name the folder whatever you want. (On a PC of course) right click on your new folder and select "Send to", then "Compressed (zipped) folder". |
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After you click, you'll see the contents of your folder "compressing". |
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Upon completion, a new zip file will be created, sharing the name of your original folder, albeit with a different icon (hint: the one with the zipper). |
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So there you go, you just created a zip file. (Insert overly enthusiastic, clichéd appraisal here.) |
HOW DO YOU DOWNLOAD/OPEN A ZIP FILE? |
| I presume this is what most of you will have trouble with if you are unfamiliar with zip files. No problem, it's a little tricky, but I'll explain it sensibly and with minimal sarcasm (maybe). Let's begin with the download of a zip file. When you click on any of the download links throughout the Ghosts of Film universe, you're most likely going to be greeted by this: |
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This box prompts you to open the file with (again, on a PC) Windows Explorer (which is just a generic window that pops up), or save the file. Since we're going to be saving the file wherever we want to later on, let's go ahead and choose the default, "Open with Windows Explorer". Click OK. When you click OK, you're going to see a window like this pop up: |
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Don't worry, this is all perfectly normal. This window is tracking the status of your download. Depending on file size and your connection speed, it may take a few seconds to a few minutes to download. When the download is complete, odds are the zip file you just downloaded will automatically pop up in a new window illustrating the folder it was just downloaded into (most likely a "Temp" folder, reserved for things you download on the internet). |
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Note: you're computer does this all manually, so you don't have to worry if none of what I just wrote makes any sense. In the event that this window doesn't open automatically, or if you accidentally close the window before you can extract the files…don't fret. Just go back to the window that had that progress bar before. If you look at it now, it looks something like this: |
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Now, all you have to do is right click on it and select "Open Containing Folder". Upon selection, you will be taken to a very scary folder with a lot of crap in it that probably looks like gibberish. Welcome to your "Temp" folder. Locate the zip file you just downloaded in this folder, and double click it. Phew, out of the Temp and back to where you should have been originally. Now…for the extraction! Since you compressed the files before to fit them in the zip file, we now have to decompress them (or extract/unzip them) so we can use them. This is where it gets tricky…you're going to have to press the "Extract all files" button (sarcasm—sorry, couldn't help myself there). |
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After clicking that button, you will be asked where you want to save your unzipped contents. By default, your "My Documents" or "Desktop" folder will probably be selected. You can save the files here if you wish, or you could select "Browse…" and select any destination you want. Bottom line: just remember WHERE you unzip the files to for future reference. Additionally, you might find it helpful to have the "Show extracted files when complete" box checked before continuing. When you're ready, hit "Extract". |
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After some more progress bar, a new window will pop open presenting you with your brand new, extracted folder. Double click that folder to explore the contents.
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