The use of archives is in a convenient way storage and transmission of information. Let's talk about how to archive a file or folder, the types of electronic archives, and how to properly mail them.
By archiving data, you can easily reduce the size of the original document. Let's say it weighs 1 MB. After data compression, its size will be significantly reduced. In addition, this method is very convenient for grouping media documents and folders for sending to the Internet, since all data can be sent as one. Agree, it's convenient.
Program overview
Today, the most popular services for creating archives are WinRar and 7ZIP. And if 7ZIP is intended purely for creating and processing archives, then the functionality of WinRar is much broader. For example, it can recognize disk images and open them as a folder. Another difference is in distribution: 7ZIP is a free program, while WinRar is a shareware program. That is, even if we download it for free from the official website, it will have full functionality, and its only inconvenience will be the dialog box about purchasing the program, which can be closed. Let's look at how archiving works in the VinRar program.
Add Dialog Box
And yet, how to archive a file in WinRar? It's actually simple. Open the program. Then click add. A new dialog box will open in which the main parameters are:
- Name. For example, document.rar, where "document" is the name and rar is the type (format). We'll talk about their types a little later;
- format. As standard, you can choose from three extensions, namely: rar, rar5 and zip;
- Compression mode. That is, roughly speaking, how much the size of our document will decrease. It should be remembered that the higher the compression level, the longer the processing takes.
If desired, in the same window, without which working with the archive will be impossible. Now let's talk about their types, namely, find out what the difference is between “zip” and “rar”. Which type is preferable to use for sending by mail, and also in which format is it better to archive.
The application is a mega popular archiver that processes almost any format
Rar or zip, which is better to use?
The main advantages of the zip extension include processing speed and popularity. So, if you want to send a document by mail, then it would be better to use zip. As for the speed, it is higher for a zip archive compared to rar, but not so significant as to choose this type of archiving.
As for such a format as “rar”, it provides better compression, compared to the "zip" type. In addition, recovery information can be added to the RAR archives, making the recovery process easier.
How to archive documents?
Let's learn how to properly archive a document for mailing.
- To begin, select the documents that need to be packed and transfer them to a separate folder;
- Open VinRar. In the window that appears, open the folder with documents and select them (the easiest way is to use the key combination ctrl+A). Click on the “Add” button, select the name of the archive, its compression level and type, and then click OK.
- Now an archive file has appeared in the folder with our documents. We go to the mail and send the file.
Let's sum it up
Today we talked about how to archive a file. I hope we have convinced you that it is better to use archive programs to work with files, thanks to which you can save not only time, but also space on your disk. In addition, we learned the difference between 7ZIP and WinRar, as well as the difference between the zip and rar extensions. So, the main advantage of the zip format is its popularity, while for rar it is the compression ratio. What archiver program and what format do you use? Write in the comments.
“The shaman takes out a jug and pours a river into it,
Then he takes the sky and shovels it into a bag.
However, it archives.”
Archive programs are used to create an archive. These programs solve several problems:
Reduce the size of documents so that they fit on a floppy disk.
If the document is large, then the program “cuts” it into separate parts and then transfers it to different floppy disks
For storing rarely used documents, but necessary in the future. So that they take up less space on your hard drive.
To store a copy
For protection strong password access to the archived document.
To send an attached document in emails
Thus: an archive is a kind of folder in which documents are stored in compressed form.
Programs that create archives, add something to them, or, on the contrary, remove documents are called archivers. There are many such programs depending on the archiving algorithm.
In Russia, the following programs are considered leaders: and WINZIP. A document archive created using the WINRAR algorithm is almost the same size as a WINZIP or simply ZIP archive.
The WINRAR archiver has a more convenient interface. In addition, it is Russified. In addition, WINRAR is capable of creating archives in both RAR and ZIP formats.
The WINRAR archiver program is a separate component from Windows programs and is installed on the computer separately.
How to archive a word document
The process of simple archiving and unarchiving of documents.
Let's practice a little to make it clearer.
Create a document on your computer desktop, for example, in Word format. Name it. Open. Type a few phrases. Close.
To hide the document properties window, click on .
Creating and naming a new archive
Right by free space worker Windows desktop--> “Create” --> left by [ZIP Archive - WINRAR]. In this case, a new icon will appear on the desktop, which will be in renaming mode. Give it a name.
An archive can be created, if necessary, inside a folder, and the folder must be open. To do this, click on the white field inside the folder.
The document you are going to archive must be closed.
So, you have created an archive, look how much it weighs. Remember that right click mouse over the document (in our case, an archive), then go to “Properties”, “General”.
Look at the size of the archive you just created. For me it is 22 bytes. That is, an almost weightless shell. Don't forget: - To hide the document properties window, click on .
Archiving process.
Using the left mouse button, drag the icon of the document whose size you memorized onto the archive icon until the color changes; most often it becomes blue.
Sending large files via email You can’t always be sure that they will reach the recipient. This is due to restrictions on the size of downloaded and transmitted materials established on such web resources. How to solve such a problem? It couldn't be simpler. All you need to do is use the archiving function. Don't know how it doesn't work? Want to understand how to zip a file? In this case, use detailed instructions.
Method number 1: Archive the file in zip using Windows
This data compression option can be used on computers different versions Windows OS, since the function of creating a ZIP folder is included in absolutely all packages operating systems from Microsoft.
Method No. 2: Archive documents in zip format using special programs
If you need to compress voluminous materials to the maximum, it is better to use special archivers, for example, the WinRAR program. 
This program is good because in addition to fast and high-quality compression of files in various formats (zip, rar), access to it is absolutely free. To do this, it is enough to visit the official website of the developer.
In addition, it is possible to select additional archiving options:
- archive in the background;
- turn off the PC after completing the operation;
- wait if another document is being archived;
- exclude separate files from archiving (if a folder with several documents is being archived);
- create backup copy;
- select the time detection function;
- add a comment to the archive.
To do this, you need to select the tabs “Advanced”, “File”, “Time”, “Comment” and others. In any case, after making the settings, do not forget to click the “OK” button so that the file compression process begins:
As you can see, archiving a file in zip format is quite simple!
In this lesson you will learn about archiver programs, you will be able to download one of these programs and install it on your computer, and you will also learn how to archive files and retrieve them from the archive.
What is an archiver
An archiver is something like this special program, with which you can archive files (folders with files) and retrieve them from the archive. In other words, it is a program that helps you compress files and package them for easier sending by email.
Now we will check whether such a program exists on your computer.
To do this, open any folder, for example, “Documents” or “ Local disk D". Right click on any file or any folder inside. A menu will open. If, among other things, there is an item “Add to archive” or an item “7 Zip”, then you have an archiver program on your computer.
And if you don’t see anything similar, then most likely it doesn’t exist on your computer. But it doesn't matter. A little later we will download a free archiver and install it on your computer. But first, let's talk about what they are.
What types of archivers are there?
Like most programs, archivers can be paid or free. That is, those that can be legally and completely free of charge downloaded from the Internet and installed on your computer, and those for which you need to pay money. If, when you checked whether such a program was installed on your computer, you saw items that begin with the words “Add to archive” (or “Add to”), then a paid archiver is installed on your computer. It's called WinRaR.
And if, when checking, you found item 7 Zip, then a free archiver is installed on your computer.
WinRaR is wonderful, very convenient program, but, alas, it is paid. If it is on your computer, then there are two options: either you don’t need to pay for it and you can use it as much as you like, or after some time it will stop working. We'll check this a little later. And if it turns out that you have an “inferior” version, then it makes sense to download and install the free 7 Zip archiver.
How to archive files/folders (WinRaR)
Now let's move on to practice. Now we will learn how to compress files and folders using the WinRaR program. If you have the 7 Zip program installed on your computer, then feel free to go below - there is information for you. If you have neither one nor the other, then even lower :)
As you may have guessed, we are interested in items that begin with the words “Add to archive.”
We need the second item in this series. For me it’s called “Add to “Folder.rar” to the archive.” You will have almost the same item, only instead of “Folder.rar” the name of your file (folder) .rar will be written.
Now let's see how much the size has decreased. Right-click on the file or folder you compressed. From the list, select “Properties”.
Now right-click on the new archive file and select “Properties”.
But this doesn't always happen. For example, if you compress photos, videos or music this way, the size may remain the same or change very slightly. To compress photos, music and videos, other programs are used, not archivers.
Now let’s learn how to unarchive, that is, get information from archives.
Actually, you don't have to do this. Try just opening the archive file. Inside you will see what has been archived. And it opens completely calmly. But still it is not very convenient. Therefore, it is better to pull out information from the archive.
Close the window and right-click on this file. We are interested in two similar items - “Extract to current folder" (or "Extract Here") and "Extract to some name" (or "Extract to some name»).
If, when you opened the archive, there was one file or one folder in the middle of the window, then click “Extract Here”. And if there were several files (folders), click “Extract to some name"(Extract to some name).
That's it. After you click on the desired item, the files or folders will be extracted and the archive can be deleted.
Now let's find out which version of the WinRaR program you have - the one that will stop working over time, or the one that will work constantly.
To do this, we need to open any archive file. When it opens, in this window, click on “Help” or “Help” (at the top) and select “About...” from the list.
A small window will appear. If it says “40 days trial copy”, then this means that your program will stop working in the near future. It makes sense to download free program for archiving (read about this below).
And if this window says “Owner of the copy” or “Registered to”, then the program will work - you don’t have to worry, you don’t have to download anything. And there is no need to read further either.
How to Zip and Unzip Files/Folders (7 Zip)
A free archiver is installed on your computer (how to determine this was discussed just above). It's called 7 Zip. And now we will learn how to use it.
First, let's learn how to archive files and folders. This is done very simply. Right-click on a file or folder with files. The following list will appear.
We are interested in item 7 Zip. Point it at him. An additional list will appear. In this list we are only interested in one item, in my example it is called “Add to “Folder.zip””.
Instead of “Folder.zip” you will have a different name, but also with the ending .zip
Click on this item. Perhaps a window like this will appear for a while. Wait for it to disappear.
Now look carefully at the files and folders. A new file should appear. It will look something like this:
This is the file or folder that you archived.
Now let's see how much the size has decreased. Right-click on the file or folder you compressed. From the list, select “Properties”.
A new window will appear. Remember the size and close it.
Now right-click on the new archive file and select “Properties”.
Most likely, its size will be smaller than the size of the original file (folder).
But this doesn't always happen. For example, if you compress photos, videos or music this way, the size may remain the same or change very slightly. To reduce it, completely different programs are used.
Now let’s learn how to unzip, that is, get files and folders.
Actually, you don't have to do this. Try just opening the archive. Inside you will see the files and folders that have been added to it. And they open quite calmly. But still it is not very convenient. Therefore, it is better to pull information from the archives. After all, at any time you can return it back, just as we did above.
Before you extract information from an archive file, open it.
An unusual window will open. Look in the middle - it shows files or folders that are hidden in the archive. That is, if we unzip it, then these files (folders) will come out.
Close the window and right-click on this file. In the list, point to “7 Zip”. An additional list will appear. We are interested in two similar items - “Extract Here” and “Extract to some name\" (Extract to some name\).
If, when you opened the archive, there was one file or one folder in the middle of the window, then click “Extract Here”. And if there were several files (folders), then “Extract to some name\" (Extract to some name\).
That's it. After you click on the desired item, the files or folders will be retrieved and the archive can be deleted.
Let me remind you once again that the 7 Zip program is free archiver.
Download free archiver
If you don’t have an archiver on your computer, you can download and install it completely free of charge. This program is called 7 Zip. You can download it at this address:
Using the program WinRAR. Let's now look at two more features of this program - archiving a file in parts, and creating a self-extracting archive.
Archiving a file in parts
If the file is large and it is impossible to transfer it due to size limitations of mail or a file hosting service, then you can split it into parts, more precisely, into several archives, and transfer these archives.
In the WinRAR program you can do archiving in parts. Let's do this now.
To archive files you will need installed WinRAR archiver. If you don’t have it, you can download the archiver from the link at the beginning of the article.
In the window My computer , or in the program Total Commander , right-click on the file you want to archive in parts, and in context menu select an item WinRAR - Add to archive . If you have an English version of the archiver, then you need to select Add to archive .
A window appears Archive name and parameters , in which you open the tab General, if it is not already open by default. In the English version of the archiver this tab is called General .
At the bottom, find the window under the item. In the English version the inscription will be Split to volumes, bytes .
In this window, enter the size of the parts into which your file will be divided.
For example, if you have a file of 6GB in size, and you need to split it into archives of 600 MB each, that is, into 10 archives, then enter the number 629145600 in the box, since 600 MB is equal to exactly this number of bytes: 1 MB is equal to 1024 KB, and 1KB is equal to 1024 bytes.
Now press the button OK. That's all, the file is archived and will be placed in several archives. The names of these archives will be the same as the name of the source file, with the addition of a dot ending: .part1, .part2, .part3 and so on.
You can safely transfer these archives, or keep them for yourself.
Combining them into one file is also very simple. Place all these archives in one folder, and unzip any of them. You don't need to unzip them all, just one is enough. All the parts will then come together, and you will have a complete file.
Self-extracting archive
You've probably seen some archives that you could double-click on to automatically unarchive them? There is no need to right-click and look for unzipping items. You don’t even need to have the program itself - an archiver for unpacking. Everything is inside such an archive.
The self-extracting archive has the extension exe. To extract such an archive, you double-click on it with the left mouse button, and in the window that appears, select the location where this archive will be unpacked.
If the destination folder is left as default, the archive will be unpacked into the same folder where it is located, which is very convenient.
Now let's figure out how to create such an archive. It's very simple. In a folder My computer , or in the program Total Commander, right-click on the file or folder that you want to archive, and then select WinRAR - Add to archive .
Naturally, you must have WinRAR installed. Next, put a tick next to the item Create SFX archive , and press OK .
The abbreviation SFX stands for self-extracting, and is translated from English as self-extracting .
Upon completion of archiving, you receive this archive in the same folder where the original file or folder is located.
Self-extracting archive in parts
You can also archive the file in parts so that the first archive is self-extracting. This can be easily done by combining the method of archiving a file in parts with the method of creating a self-extracting archive.
Right-click on the file and select WinRAR - Add to archive , and in the window at point Divide into volumes of size (in bytes) specify the size of the archives. And with right side put a tick next to the item Create SFX archive . Next click OK .
The self-extracting archive will be ready in parts.
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