Lesson 36: Opening Compressed Files

How to Open and Extract Compressed Files

It's Day 36, and today we'll continue our exploration of compressed files by learning how to open and extract their contents. When you receive a .zip or .rar file, it's important to know how to access the files inside.

How to Open Compressed Files:

1. On Windows: Right-click the .zip file and select Extract All. You'll be asked where you want to save the uncompressed files.
   
   

2. On Mac: Double-click the .zip file, and the files inside will automatically be extracted and saved in the same location.
   
   

3. For .rar files: You'll need software like WinRAR (Windows) or The Unarchiver (Mac) to open these types of compressed files.

Why It's Important:

Knowing how to open and extract compressed files allows you to access the contents of large files sent to you via email or downloaded from the internet. Many documents, images, and software installers are shared in compressed formats to save space and make transfers easier.

Try It Out:

Find a .zip file on your computer or download one from a trusted source, and practice extracting the contents. Pay attention to where the extracted files are saved, so you know how to find them afterward.

Pro Tip:

Always scan any compressed files for malware before opening them, especially if they come from unknown or untrusted sources.