Beta Version 1.0 by Bill Cameron & D.M. Gorski with
contributions from the devotees of alt.binaries.clip-art 1999 - - --For the full-featured
HTML version of this FAQ with working links-- http://www.crosswinds.net/~endtrans/index.htm
A PDF version can be downloaded at the same location
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Main Concepts of File Compression
File compression is just what it says. It "squeezes" a file into a more easily transportable size by eliminating "wasted" space
Distinguishing between file compression programs
There are several different programs which you can use for file compression. As each of these programs uses its own compression techniques, you MUST use the same program to compress and uncompress a given file.
So, how do you know which program to use to decompress a compressed file?
You will need to look at the file extension of the compressed file (the characters following the "." in the file name). Each compression program uses a unique file extension. The most popular compression programs and their associated file extensions (with selected URLs) are:
ARJ .arj http://www.arjsoft.com/arj260.htm
BinHex .hqx http://www.mindvision.com/Consumer/
WinZip .zip http://www.winzip.com
WinRar .rar http://www.rarsoft.com
Stuffit .sit http://www.mindvision.com/Consumer/
tar .tar http://www.winzip.com for PC's http://www.mindvision.com/Consumer/ for Mac's
File Compression from a PC
Where can I get a file compression program?
In order to use file compression from a PC, you will need to obtain a compression program and load it onto your computer. We recommend using the application: WinZip You will be able to get WinZip from one of the following sources:
A friend: If one of your friends has WinZip, ask them to copy it onto a disk for you.
A bookstore or computer store: Many books and software packages bundle a collection of Internet applications. Look to see if WinZip is included in these packages.
Download WinZip from the web. To do this, go to the WinZip web site at:
http://www.winzip.com
At the WinZip web site, select the menu option "Download Evaluation Copy". You can then click on the WinZip file name (e.g. wz16v61.exe). Make sure to select the 16 bit version if you are not running Windows 95/98, and the 32 bit version if you are running Windows 95/98. During the downloading process, your browser will ask you to specify a file type. Select the option: "*.*"
Please note that WinZip is "shareware" which means you are free to use it for a certain amount of time. If you continue to use the program after this time period, you should send a check in to the specified address to compensate the developer for their time and efforts.
How do I install WinZip?
WinZip is very easy to install and use. To install WinZip, you need to:
1.Place winzip70.exe into a temporary directory (e.g. C:/TEMP)
2.Double click on winzip56.exe to start the installation process from the MS Windows' File Manager.
3.When prompted by the installation program, select OK:
Select OK when asked to specify a temporary directory for installation purposes (will use the default directory C:/TEMP).
Select OK when asked to specify a permanent directory location for WinZip (feel free to specify the directory of your choice).
Select OK to the WinZip program features, and select YES for the License Agreement.
Select OK when asked to specify WinZip Program Locations for pkzip, pkunzip, etcetera (You do not need to fill in any of the blank spaces).
Select OK when asked whether to create a program group and icons. This will create an icon on your Program Manager for your use.
Select OK when asked about File Manager Configuration (the first two boxes will automatically be checked for you).
You will then see the main window of the WinZip application.
How do I use WinZip?
Uncompressing a file
1.Open the WinZip application by double clicking on the WinZip application icon. Agree to the registration process. You will see the following window appear:
2.Select the "Open" button, and choose the file to be uncompressed (the compressed file is called an "archive" in WinZip).
A list of the files contained within the archived file will be displayed.
NOTE: Alternatively, if the compressed file uses the extension ".zip", you can start WinZip by simply double clicking on the compressed file. WinZip will automatically open, ask you to agree to its registration process (select "I agree"), and display a list of all the files that are contained within the compressed file.
3.To uncompress the files, select the "Extract" button.
4.Using your mouse, double click on the directory where you want to place the extracted files.
5.Press the "Extract" button to start the extraction process.
6.While extracting the files, WinZip will return to the previous window, and display a progress bar at the bottom of the screen. Within a matter of seconds, your files will be uncompressed and located in the directory that you specified.
7.Quit the WinZip application by selecting the "File/Exit" menu option
Compressing a file
1.Double click on the WinZip application icon and agree to the registration information. You will see an empty window.
2.Select the "New" button, and type in the name that you want to use for the compressed file name. Press the "OK" button.
3.You will be asked to select the files to be compressed (use the shift key to select multiple files). Select the "Add" button when your selection is done.
4.WinZip will compress the files that you have selected and display a list of these files in the newly created archived file.
5.To add additional files to this archive, hit the "Add" button and repeat this process.
6.Quit the WinZip application by selecting the "File/Exit" menu option
File Compression with WinRar
Adding file to an archive in windows
Start WinRar...
If you did not disable the "Integrate WinRAR into shell" option when installing WinRAR, it is possible to archive files directly in a Windows shell. Select the files you are going to compress, in Explorer or Desktop, press the right mouse button on the selected files and choose "Add to archive…". Enter the destination archive name in the dialog box which appears or accept the default name. You may also select the format of the new archive (RAR or ZIP), compression level, volume size and other archiving parameters. This dialog is described in detail in the Archive name and parameters dialog topic. Click on the OK button when done. An archive will be created in the same folder as the selected files.
You may also select the "Add to
Another method is to drag file icons to an existing archive icon and drop them. Files will be added to this archive.
Extracting files with WinRar
Press the right mouse button on archive icon, select "Extract files…"
command, enter the destination folder in the dialog box and click the "OK"
button. This dialog box offers a few advanced options (see Extraction path and options
dialog for more information). You may also select the "Extract to
Another method is to drag an archive using the right mouse button and drop it to the
destination folder and then select "Extract to
Sources
http://mahogany.lib.utexas.edu/About/guides/internetpubs/comprssnin.html
http://www.pleiades-net.com/tools/compmain.html
http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/compression-faq/top.html