What Is a Zip File?
A Zip file is sometimes called an archive file. The Zip file is a container that holds the actual compressed files. The purpose behind the Zip file is transportation and storage. The Zip file acts like a sandwich bag: It holds contents inside for easy transporting and storage. This makes the ability to use Zip files (and their counterpart Rar files) valuable to file sharers and downloaders.
How Do Zip Files Work?
A Zip file achieves three things:
It bundles one or more files into a single container file.It compresses (archives) its contents by as much as 90 percent, producing a smaller file that’s easier to send, move, and store.Optionally, it can be password-protected against unwelcome viewers.
Is Zip the Same As WinZip?
Although many people confuse Zip and WinZip they are technically different:
Zip is the generic file format of a compressed archive, which carries the .zip suffix (for example, thisfile.zip). WinZip, like WinRAR and PKZip, is the name of a software app that creates and manages Zip files.
