Everyone who has packed a bag with clothes knows that you can fit a lot of extras by squeezing it together. What you are doing is simply squeezing out a lot of unnecessary air.
You can do the same with the files on your computer. By compressing a large file, it takes up less space – without you having to lose any information. A special program simply analyzes the file and mathematically checks if space can be saved. For example, replacing the word PC for All with PFA saves eight characters.
A compression program thus compresses a file so that it takes up minimal space. If you then want to use it, just unpack the file, which then regains its original contents.
The point of this is both to save space on the hard drive and to merge several files into one – so that it becomes easier to email, for example.
Built into Windows
There are different compression techniques and the most common is called zip. Zip files work on most computers, and running Windows does not even require any special software. The Compressed Folders feature is already built-in and you just need to right-click on a file or folder and select Send To, Compressed Folder. To unpack, right-click and select Extract All.
Compressed folders can pack and unpack, but if you need more power, you can use the free 7-Zip program. For example, it can password protect your files so that unauthorized persons cannot unpack them.
Another advantage is that 7-Zip can also handle many file formats. If you have received a rar, arj or 7z file, 7-Zip is the right program.
This is how 7-Zip File Manager works
1. Add
Add new content to a compressed file.
2. Unpack
Unzip a compressed file.
3. Testa
Make sure there are no errors on the file – without unpacking it.
4. Copy…
Copy one or more selected files.
5.… and move
Do the same, but do not leave the original.
6. Remove
Delete one or more selected items.
7. Information
View more details about a selected file.
8. Scroll
The entire path is displayed here and the icon on the far left allows you to scroll back to the top menu.
9. Visa
Here you see all files. Using View in the top menu, you can select the size of the icons and more. You can also right-click on an icon to bring up more options.
Questions and answers about the program
1. Where do I download 7-Zip…
Surf to www.7-zip.org and go to Download 7-Zip . Here you will find the latest Windows version of the program. Most people can choose the version called 64-bit, but if you have a very old computer, you should choose 32-bit instead. Are you unsure? Read our guide here.
2.… and how do I install?
Double-click on the file you downloaded and accept the alerts and you will start a self-explanatory installation program. Press directly Install to use the default setting and end with Close.
You can now find the 7-Zip File Manager program via the Windows Start menu.
3. How does the program become Swedish?
7-Zip is available in a Swedish version, and if you happen to get the program in English, it is easily fixed. Select Tools, Options, Language (Tool, Alternative, Language) and switch to Swedish (Swedish). Here you can of course also choose other languages.
4. How does 7-Zip work in Windows Explorer?
By default, 7-Zip integrates with Windows Explorer. This means that you can right-click on a file or folder and select 7-Zip in the menu that appears. This is a fast and easy way to use 7-Zip without having to open the program window and browse through the files.
However, if you find it annoying, you can remove the connection to Windows Explorer by selecting Tool, Alternative, 7-Zip.
5. How do I unpack…
If you have kept the connection to Windows Explorer, just right-click on a file to unpack. Select 7-Zip, Unpack here – or any of the other options.
Otherwise, you can right-click, select Open with and locate the 7-Zip program. You can also open 7-Zip File Managerlocate the file using the tree structure in the upper left and press Unpack.
6.… and how do I compress?
Files are also compressed by selecting 7-Zip in the right-click menu. Press add to to do it directly or Add to archive if you want more options.
You can also open 7-Zip File Managerlocate the file / folder, highlight it and press add. A window will now open where you can select the file format (for example 7z) and add passwords for encryption. Make your choices and press OK.
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