What is a Zip File?
A ZIP file is an archive file format that supports lossless data compression. Unlike formats like JPEG a Zip File will 100% restore the data to its original format. A ZIP file may contain one or more files or folders that may have been compressed. The ZIP file format allows a number of compression algorithms, though DEFLATE is the most common.
Where can I use a Zip File?
Microsoft Windows has supported this file format since 1998 via the operating systems extension package entitled Microsoft Plus. Native support was added in Windows ME under the name of Compressed Folders.
The ZIP file format has been widely supported in other Free Operating Systems such as Linux and Unix variants. So by using this format you will have the best support in most environments. Having said that some embedded operating systems like IPhone's IOS or Meta Quest's Meta Horizon OS, you will have to obtain an app to view or extract the contents.
ZIP files generally use the file extension of .zip but can have the file extensions of .apk, .cbz, .crz or .jar and normally the mimetype of application/zip. ZIP is used as a base file format by many programs, usually under different names. When navigating a file system via a user interface, graphical icons representing ZIP files often appear as a document or other objects prominently featuring a zipper.
Can I password protect my Zip File.
Yes you can password protect your Zip files most commonly using the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) but not limited to. If you would like you can password protect your zip file by clicking “Unzip File” below, using AES Encryption in Bits of 128, 192 and 256 Bits. Which will effect the overall file size of the zip file. Encrypted files created there will be WinZip compatible.
What is an Unzip?
In the area of computer science the term unzip or unzipping is the process of extracting files and folders from a single Zip compatible file, into regular text and binary files. Which can be read by another application or operating system.
I don’t have a Supported Operating System?
Don’t worry if the platform that you are using does not support the Zip file you have obtained. There is a free online service where you can decompress your Zip file fast and effectively. You can access this free online unzip tool by clicking below.
How do I create a Zip File?
You can create a Zip File easily using many available tools, if you are using the latest version of windows you should have access to libarchive which is built in to the operating systems utility entitled File Explorer. Or you can create a Zip File directly within the web browser by clicking the link below.