Downloading and Unzipping Files

Step 1 Create a download folder

Start by establishing good habits. Organizing your download files will help. Let's start by creating a new folder (directory) called C:\Download for your use.

Using Windows Explorer: highlight your C: drive, and then click on these menu items, one after the other: File | New > Folder. When a folder entitled New Folder is created, rename it "Download".

Note: A word about distinguishing between the Windows Explorer and Microsoft Internet Explorer. The Windows Explorer is the system tool that helps you examine and access your entire computer; files; directories; drives; desktop, etc. In contrast, Microsoft Internet Explorer is the browser you can use to surf the Web.
Download a file using your browser

Step 2  Download your files

To download files you must click on the download link.  After you click the download link, a small window will open and ask you, "What would you like to do with this file?" or something similar. Simply click on the "Save it to disk" or "Save" choice, and then click OK. Avoid the "Open" option, since this will not leave a permanent copy of the file on your computer.

When the familiar "Save As" window appears, use it to navigate to your newly created C:\download folder and click "Save."  Watch and wait until the file has finished downloading.

Step 3 Open Zipped data files

Open My computer, and locate the compressed folder you saved to your computer
 

To extract all files or folders, right-click the compressed folder, and then click “Extract All”. In the Compressed (zipped) Folders Extraction Wizard (click Next >), specify where you want to store the extracted files.

Extraction process to selected destination will take place. When extraction process is complete, click Finish.

You may not be equipped with an unzipping utility.

However, there are several programs you can download and install that will perform the unzipping process. Some of your options include:

   1. WinZip: For Windows operating systems only
   2. 7-Zip: For Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista.    
   3. Stuffit: For Windows or Mac operating systems
   4. jZip: For Windows or Mac operating systems
   5. MacZip: For Windows or Mac operating systems

    * Once you have downloaded and installed a zipping program, you can simply double click on the file you want to unzip. The program will identify t the zipped file and then automatically open and provide you with options regarding where you want to save the file or files contained in the zipped folder.