decompressing zip files

tinka

hope i'm posting this in the right place. basically i need to know what decompressing a zip file means. i started downloading a cd and now it says that it's decompressing the zip file. but when i mentioned this to someone they said someone decompressed a zip file on a different computer and loads of things didn't work properly on the computer after!? is my computer in danger if i decompress?? any help asap would be greatly appreciated.

aidan_walsh

A zip file is a type of file that allows you to put other files inside it and compress them (make them smaller). This is often done on the internet to make the download smaller, and thus faster to complete.

Decompressing the zip means getting the files that are in it, out in their original form. To do this you would need a program like Winzip, PKZip, WinRAR or 7zip (this one is free). This lets you use the file as normal, to do whatever it was you are supposed to do.

Whether or not your computer is in danger is really up to what is in the zip file. They can often be used to send viruses and other types of malware (programs that can cause harm to your computer, or violate your privacy) through. You should always keep a good antivirus running in the background and keep it up to date. Keeping it running in the background means that the antivirus scanner will look at the file whenever anything tries to open it, and should catch a virus before it has the chance to do harm. This will help you minimise the number of problems you will encounter.

Also, just for your information, its usually not a good idea to mention that you are pirating music around these parts. It can result in you being banned from the Computers forum.

tinka

thanks for your quick reply. i just followed a link from the alternative music forum and assumed it was legit... me being very naive? do you think i should quit downloading?

aidan_walsh

tinka wrote:

do you think i should quit downloading?

Thats not for me to say.

It depends on the files in question. If they are legally available free (with the owners knowledge and consent), then you are able to continue, but if they are violating someones copyright, then while its up to you, many would disagree with the ethics of it.

tinka

oh ok. i kind of meant for my computer's safety etc... it seems to be legal but then again i don't usually download illegally so not sure. thanks though.

Capt'n Midnight

:v:

Fighting Irish

tinka wrote:

hope i'm posting this in the right place. basically i need to know what decompressing a zip file means. i started downloading a cd and now it says that it's decompressing the zip file. but when i mentioned this to someone they said someone decompressed a zip file on a different computer and loads of things didn't work properly on the computer after!? is my computer in danger if i decompress?? any help asap would be greatly appreciated.

If you decompress and the file is a .exe file do not click it

Capt'n Midnight

You should avoid anything with active content unless you trust the source. Also scan it for viruses but not a guarantee as AV companies want more money to scan malware and so won't block lots of junk.

BTW make sure you have file extensions visible in folder options. I will NEVER forgive microsoft for hiding file extensions - even if you ignore the security risk that it is it's still more hassel than it's worth.