How to Zip and Unzip a file

I’ve had this question asked many times, so to kick off the first post in my new tutorial series
for beginners, I thought this would be a good topic to cover first.

For this example, we will use a free utility called “ALZip”
You can download it here: http://www.altools.com/
It is free of viruses, adware, spyware and popups.
We will not use ‘Winzip’ for this tutorial because the free version of that program contains annoying popups, so I do not recommend it. Both programs zip and unzip files. However, you can do more with ALZip and it won’t cost you a dime which makes it ‘Ace’ in my book.
More on that later..
Let’s begin shall we?

=========================================

First, let’s go ahead and install the free ALZip utility.

How to Zip a file or a folder containing files:
1. Locate a file on your desktop that you wish to ‘Zip’.
2. Right mouse click on that file or folder and click on where it says “Add to (your file name).Zip
from the menu. The program will create a file for you with a .zip format immediately.
3.That’s it. You’re done!

How to Unzip a file or folder containing files:
1. Locate a .zip file on your Windows desktop.
2. Right-mouse click the .zip file and select “Extract to current folder”.
Alternatively, you may also select “extract to c:\documents and settings\desktop.
You should now have an unzipped file or folder waiting for you to open.
3. That’s it. You’re done!

Answers to common questions:
1. What exactly is a “Zip” file?
A Zip file is a just a “compressed” file, meaning that it has been made smaller and more transportable.
2. Why do I need zip files?
This format is ideal for anyone offering digital products such as ebooks or programs that you or a customer of yours may download.
Instead of having a large file, you can have a zipped version that is compressed and downloads much much faster than a file that has not been zipped.
Having zipped files helps save more space on your hard drive as well.

I hope this may have helped someone.
Questions? Comments? ideas for an upcoming tutorial?
Be sure to post your suggestion below and let me know.

Ryan