The .ZIP extension signifies the file is a ZIP archive. This is a way that people can transmit a game, screensaver, application, electronic book, or whatever as one larger file instead of multiple smaller files. ZIP files are used often in DOS/Windows environments.

ZIP files must be created with a ZIP file creation tool. These tools take a group of files and mash them ("zip" them) together into one "archive" file, sometimes reducing the amount of space the ZIP file takes on the hard drive ("compressing"). After the ZIP file is transferred, the recipient takes the ZIP file and "unzips" it, causing the original files to appear on their hard drive.

Another advantage to ZIP files is that, in certain cases, they can be password protected. This way (theoretically) only the recipient, knowing the password, can unzip the file. Different zip/unzip software packages use different compression mechanisms that may be easier/harder to break.

The following companies provide programs that can zip and unzip files. Some are freeware, others shareware:

* Info-Zip, a freeware ZIP/UNZIP software package that works on multiple platforms.

* PKWARE, the creator of the ZIP file format.

* WinZip, arguably the most popular zip/unzip software for Windows. WinZip tips can be found here.

Note that ZIP files can contain virtually any type of file, including other ZIP files (you can place a ZIP archive inside of another archive). While most ZIP files contain legitimate text files, executables, photos, music, etc., it is possible for malicious people to distribute rogue ZIP files containing spyware, viruses, and more. Thus, never unzip and use a ZIP file from an unknown recipient!

Windows users: Note that unless you have configured your computer with the file extension viewing tweak, it is possible that a filename that looks like it ends with ".zip", especially one attached to an e-mail message, actually has a hidden OTHER extension, meaning that if you double-click the file, it may actually run a computer virus!

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