What Is a Zipped File?

A zipped file is a compressed file or a collection of compressed files. Zipping makes files smaller and more efficient to transmit. Windows now distributes its own zipping tool, but the oldest and best-known tool is Pkware's WinZip. There are other file compression tools that have been imported from UNIX to Windows, like TAR, but they are not as popular as WinZip.

History

It wasn't that long ago that computer data flowed over slow dial-up phone lines. Speeds were usually 1,200 to 2,400 bytes per second. Sending large files could be a long and expensive undertaking.

Benefits

Files are zipped to reduce their size. Many companies limit the size of data that can be sent through their email systems. Zipping a file may be the only way to keep the file small enough to send.

Function

Several files can be combined into one zipped archive file. Many Internet-based companies create zip archives to distribute their products. The zip file contains the software, related data and image files, and a soft copy of the user's manual. It is more cost effective to transmit a zip file than to print a manual and burn it onto a CD.

Features

For added protection, most zip files can be password protected. The recipient of the file will need to know the password to unzip it.

Fun Fact

Java uses zip files as libraries. These files contain series of class files that Java programs reference. These zip files are what makes Java portable.