The Zip format for compressing files has been around for so long,
that it's hard to believe that we ever lived without it!
For those who are somewhat new to computing, "Zipping" files is
simply compressing one or more computer files into a single
package that is smaller than the size of the originals.
In the "old" days, it was common to Zip seldom used and older
files simply as a method of saving space on the hard drive, or
for archiving files to floppy.
Today, with hard drive space plentiful and cheap, the primary
value of Zipping files is for distribution over the Internet and
via e-mail.
For instance, you could take ten digital photos that might add up
to 1 megabyte, and Zip them into a single file of just half the
size. This would obviously make the photos much easier, and
faster, to send to a customer or client.
However, in order to do this, you need software on your system
that will allow you to Zip the files before sending them, and the
recipient will need software to "Unzip" the files back to their
original size on their computer.
While there are plenty of free and/or cheap programs that allow
you to do this, for about $25 (street price) you may want to
consider a newer program, ZipMagic 98 from Mijenix.
While I've used several Zip managers over the years, ZipMagic
offers one feature that's so useful that I just can't stand to
work on Zipped files without it!
ZipMagic 98 lets you work with Zipped files as though they were
ordinary "folders" (or directories, depending on how long you've
been computing) from within the standard Windows Explorer.
This means that you no longer have to understand the nuances of
Zipping and Unzipping files. Want to look into a compressed Zip
file? Just click on it as you would an ordinary folder! Need to
move something in or out of a Zipped file? Simply drag and drop
as you would with any other directory!
Even better, ZipMagic 98 will run programs from within a Zipped
file, Zipping and Unzipping them as needed, on the fly!
All in all, this program offers a lot of convenience for a pretty
small amount of change.
Note: For those of you who may have used "Norton Navigator" in
the past (a great program that's no longer supported) ZipMagic 98
will look and feel very familiar!
Published: April 29, 1999
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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Stephen Canale only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.
