What's a ZIP file?
A ZIP file has two major purposes. First, it groups together a set of related files so that you can store them or download them as one file. Second, it compresses the files. The amount of compression varies with the type of file, but averages out to approximately a 50% reduction in size, compared with the original file set. A compressed file is also frequently called an archive file. There are other types of archive files; LZH, ARJ, and GZ are still in use in many areas, although ZIP is the most popular in the Windows world.
How does FileTiger work with ZIP files?
FileTiger is not a ZIP program. FileTiger is a file synchronizer and archive shell. That means that some other program that you choose will do the work of creating or unpacking ZIP files. If you don't choose any other program, FileTiger will automatically use the InfoZip programs for working with ZIP files. If you would like to use another utility, go to FileTiger settings (shortcut key is F12), and remove the checkmark next to 'Always use InfoZIP for creating or opening ZIP files.'
How do I unpack a ZIP file?
First, some terminology. OPEN, in Windows, means run a program, edit a text file, play a video file, or do whatever your system associates with a particular type of file. When you install a program, it tells your system what types of files it can work with. When you install a ZIP utility, it tells Windows during setup that it is taking over the job of working with ZIP files. For ZIP files, opening means unpacking the file to recreate the set of files stored inside.
Opening a ZIP file is easy. First, display on one side of FileTiger the folder holding the ZIP file. On the far side, display the folder that you would like to hold the unpacked files. Now right-click on the ZIP file, and choose OPEN from the popup menu. FileTiger will confirm that it is OK to continue, and unpack the ZIP file to the far side.
If you are working with a ZIP utility not listed in the Accessory Programs listing, and the 'Always use InfoZIP' option in FileTiger settings is not checked, then you will probably have to tell your ZIP utility what folder to use for the unpacked files.
How do I create a ZIP file?
First, select the files that you want to ZIP. Next display on the far side the folder that will hold the new ZIP file. Click the ZIP button on the near side, and type in the name for the new ZIP file. A file path is not needed, and neither is a file extension. For example, typing 'ProjectAlpha' will work just fine, and will result in 'ProjectAlpha.ZIP being created on the far side.
I need to include subfolders in my ZIP file. How?
InfoZip provides basic ZIP functions in FileTiger. If you need advanced ZIP functionality, including subfolders, disk spannig, passwords, or multi-disk files, you should purchase a ZIP utility with the features you need. See 'Accessory Programs' for a list of ZIP utilities that work well with FileTiger.
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