Unzipping Files  
 
 

The majority of files (eBooks, software, etc) downloaded from this website will be in a compressed format. Before you can use them, you need to unzip (uncompress) them.

  • Files are compressed to make them smaller.
  • This process is known as 'zipping'.
  • It makes them quicker to download.
  • Zipped files will have a .zip filename extension.

Using Microsoft Windows/Vista

Instructions on how to unzip files if you are using MS Windows/Vista can be read here.

Zip Utilities

  • To handle zipped files, you need a special program called a 'utility'.

  • Two of the best known are PKZip and WinZip

  • They are often available free on magazine cover disks.

  • Alternatively, you can download them from a free software site.

  • Go to tucows for instance. Look for 'Compression Utilities'.

  • You can also try UltimateZip.

Unzipping files

  1. Start up your zip utility program.

  2. Choose FILE\OPEN, and locate your zipped file (e.g. C:\TEMP\filename.zip)

  3. Choose EXTRACT FILES from the menu bar.

  4. Extract files to C:\SOMENAME (i.e. some folder located on your hard drive).

Use the file

  • Now open a program which will read your files.

  • This could be Adobe Reader for .pdf files (e.g. all our eBooks are .pdf files)

  • It could be MS Word for .doc files.

  • Don't worry if anything goes wrong...just repeat the steps above.

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