What is WinZip, and how do I install it?

WinZip is a Windows-based program that allows you to compress files and to open compressed files in .zip format. WinZip also has built-in support for most popular file compression and archive formats, including .gzip, BinHex (.hqx), cabinet (.cab), Unix compress, and tar. WinZip can also open the more seldom used ARJ, LZH, and ARC file formats, but requires external programs to do so.

WinZip is shareware; see the file license.txt, included with the software, for specific terms of use.

To install WinZip on your computer:

1. Download the software from WinZip, following the instructions on that site. Note the name and the location of the downloaded file.
   
   
2. Once the download is complete, open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder on your hard drive where you saved the file. Double-click the downloaded file. After a dialog box opens, click Setup.
   
   
3. Another dialog box will appear and ask you where to install WinZip; the default location is c:\Program Files\WinZip. Choose where to install the program, and then click OK. The Installation Wizard will start.
   
   
4. Clicking Next will bring up a dialog box prompting you to accept or decline the terms of the license agreement. If you accept the terms, click Yes.
   
   
5. During the installation, you will be asked to choose between various options, many of which depend on your personal preferences. When in doubt, select the default or recommended option(s).

After WinZip is installed, depending on the options you chose during installation, you will be able to launch WinZip from the Start menu and/or desktop shortcuts. In addition, right-clicking a zip file will bring up a context menu with WinZip options, including extracting files, encrypting, and creating a Self-Extractor.

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