Software is decompressed in order to

1. Reduce it in size. This makes storage of floppy disk more likely. This makes transfer on the Internet more efficient.
2. Reduce many files/folders into a single download file.

Most IBM applications are compressed in a ZIP format. These files easily recognizable because they have a .zip extension. The most popular package to decompress IBM files is a shareware package called WinZip. There are freeware packages that will decompress .zip files.

Most Macintosh applications are compressed in a HQX, BIN, or SIT format. These files easily recognizable because they have a .hqx, .bin, or .sit extensions. The most popular package to decompress Macintosh files is a freeware package called StuffIt Expander.

Most UNIX applications are compressed in a TAR format. These files easily recognizable because they have a .tar extensions. The UNIX operating system is complete with tar and untar utilities.

WinZip is not free software. You are hereby licensed to use this software for evaluation purposes without charge for a period of 21 days. If you use this software after the 21 day evaluation period a registration fee of $29 is required. Payments must be in US dollars drawn on a US bank, and should be sent to Nico Mak Computing, Inc., P.O. Box 919, Bristol, CT 06011- 0919. Credit card ordering and quantity discounts are available, as described in the section Ordering Information/Order Form. When payment is received you will be sent a registered copy of the latest version of WinZip.

1] Go To WinZip Home Page. http:\\wwww.winzip.com

2] Download an evaluation copy of the WinZip shareware. Select the Download Evaluation Option [touch the round green icon above with your mouse].

3] Those people with a computer running Windows 3.1 should select the WinZip 6.2 for Windows 3.1; all others should download WinZip 6.2 for Windows

4] Select a desired download location. In the graphic above,

1. the name for the download file will remain winzip95.exe
2. the file transfer location will be floppy drive A

5] Netscape will attempt to estimate the remaining download time.

6] View the download file. If using Windows 3.1, use the file manager. If using Windows 95, double-click on My Computer and double-click on floppy drive A.

7] The download file, winzip95.exe, is a compressed, self-extracting archive. It has a .exe extension. In order to decompress a self-extracting archive, you need only double-click on the icon with your mouse!

8] Select/push the Setup Button!

9] Select where, on the hard drive, you want to install WinZip. Most people select C:\WinZip

In the example above, I am installing the software within the Program Files Folder on hard drive E.

10] Select/push the Next button.

11] View and agree to the warranty terms. Select/push the Yes button.

12] Select/push the WinZip Classic. radio button. Select/push the Next button.

13] The Express setup is fine. Select/push the Next button.

14] Select/push the Finish button.

15] WinZip is now installed. All zipped files have a .zip extension. If you have an application to decompress/unzip, you may open it and do so at this time. Otherwise, close winzip!