Definitions for teachers by teachers
ZIP Compression
.ZIP COMPRESSIONA popular data compression format. Files that have been compressed with the ZIP format are called ZIP files and usually end with a .ZIP extension. A special kind of zipped file is a self extracting file, which ends with a .EXE extension. You can unzip a self extracting file by simply executing it. A file can be compressed using PKZIP, ZipIt, gzip, or other compatible archiver. A file which has been compressed with PKZIP or compatible software. Zip files can be unpacked with PKUNZIP or UnZip.
What this means to you: A file that is too large to be put onto a regular disk or sent over the internet must be compressed to a manageable size. Once the file reaches its final destination it can be expanded back to its original size.
by Margie Adkins
.ZIP COMPRESSION
A Microsoft Windows based compressed file. Commonly referred to as a "ZIP file," it can hold one or many files as well as a directory structure. On the Internet large graphics and programs are usually compressed into ZIP files and then made avaliable for download. After you download this file you need to use a decompression software program to "UNZIP" the file. It may sound a bit complicated but in fact, the process of "zipping" and "unzipping" files is quite easy and it comes in handy when you want to send digital photos to a family member, for example.
by Brian Weinert
NetHandbook Glossary | NetHandbook Home page
Last updated: 31 July 2000