What is a ZIP file?

A ZIP filename ends in '.zip'. For example, 'maps_pdfs.zip'. They usually contain one or more files.
Files are placed into a ZIP file because 'zipping' them up compresses the files, making them smaller and therefore quicker to download.
ZIP files are very common on the Internet because they are an efficient way of storing data. For example, a five megabyte file may take an hour or more to download from the Internet. If it was 'zipped' up, the file size may decrease to say, 3 megabytes. This would save about twenty minutes of download time.
ZIP files need to be 'unzipped' before you can use the files. Additional software is usually needed to perform the 'unzipping'.

What is a self-extracting ZIP file?

A self extracting ZIP filename ends in '.exe'. For example 'maps_pdfs.exe'.
It is the same as a ZIP file only you do not need any other program to 'unzip' the files from it. This is because the file already contains a cut-down version of a program that allows you to unzip files. This causes a self extracting zip file to be slightly larger in size than a standard ZIP file. However, it is much more convenient.

How do I access a ZIP file?

Unless your computer operating system allows you to open ZIP files, you need to use a third party program, such as WinZip. Installing WinZip will allow you to open ZIP files.
WinZip can be downloaded by clicking here,

How do I use a self-extracting ZIP file?

Follow these simple instructions to access the contents of a self-extracting ZIP file:

1. Download the file.
2. Double click on the file to run the self-extractor.
3. You will be asked where you want the files to go. Specify a location you can easily access and remember (e.g. C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP)
4. Click Unzip and the files will be extracted and unzipped.
5. You should now be able to run/open/load the files that were contained within the self extracting ZIP file.