Files on this server ending in a .zip extension are single or multi-file, compressed archives created by either PkWare's PKZIP software or Info-ZIP's ZIP compatible zip utility. The ZIP archive/compression format supports the aggregation of separate files into a single distribution, typically smaller in size than the sum of the sizes of the original source files.

In many instances ZIP files have been created to preserve the original directory structure of an on-disk distribution. In order to retain that directory structure when extracting the files either use the Info-ZIP unzip utility (whose default behavior is to preserve the directory structure), use the "-d" option to PKUNZIP, or select the appropriate option for other ZIP compatible software.

Downloadable Resources:

ZIP compatible application resources are listed as follows:

> PkWare, Inc. The Data Security

PkWare might be considered the originator of the ZIP format, and is responsible for the broad application of the ZIP format through the distribution of the shareware versions of PKZIP and PKUNZIP. Always verify the latest version of PKZIP and PKUNZIP from the PkWare web site, and avoid versions on web or FTP sites that are different from those supported by PkWare.

> WinZip: A Commercial Solution

Nico Mark Computing, Inc. sells its WinZip product, a commercial ZIP solution, for the Windows 3.x and Win32 (Intel) platforms. The product is completely self-supporting for the ZIP and GZIP file formats, and requires no external support tools to work with files in these formats. Evaluation versions may also be available.

> MacIntosh ZIP Solutions : University of Michigan Archive

The UMich MacIntosh archives have a number of programs which claim to support ZIP file processing for the Mac platform. Not having a Mac to test these on, there are no recommendations offered. Information on commercial ZIP solutions for the Mac would be welcome.

> Info-ZIP

The Info-ZIP web site provides information on the freeware ZIP and UNZIP utilities, as well as downloadable source and binaries for a wide variety of systems. Please visit the Info-ZIP home page for a comprehensive list of mirror sites, and for in-depth information on the Info-ZIP project.

* All brand and product names are trademarks or registred trademarks of their respective holders.