Genealogy Forum NEWS
October, 1997
What is a Zipped File?
submitted by Editorial Staff
Any file you see ending with a ".ZIP" extension means that the file was compressed. It will not be readable until you run another program over it to convert the file back into a ".TXT" file or an .EXE file or whatever other extension it might have.
By compressing a file, time is saved downloading it (thus costing you less money) and it takes up less memory on America Online's computers (meaning more files can be uploaded). In other words, it benefits everybody.
Before you use a compressed file, you need to do one of two things: First, set your America Online program to automatically decompress a file when you log off. To do this, click on the word "Members" at the top of your screen. Then click on the word "Preferences," then a button titled "Download." You should now see an option to automatically decompress ZIP and ARC files when you sign off. To use this feature, be sure to blacken or put a mark in the box. Now, the next time you download and after you log offline, the file will be converted to a text file that you can read or a program file that you can run. This will work with all the surname archives and many older programs. Be aware that, when the file is unzipped, it is copied and put in a newly-created directory folder. You must use the new copy that will probably have a TXT extension in the file name and not the old, original copy.
Once you have decompressed or converted the file, you should have no trouble reading it. Remember that it will most likely be a plain text file and you may need to read your word processor's manual for instructions on how to load in a "text" file (sometimes referrred to as a DOS text or ASCII text file). The file you download could also be a program file (.EXE). Whatever it will turn out to be, after you have decompressed or unzipped a file, do not use the file that ends with the extension of .ZIP anymore, but look for a new file in the new directory which was written.
To print this text, click on "File", then "Print".
Where's My Downloaded File?
submitted by Editorial Staff
After the file you downloaded is decompressed or unzipped (if the filename ends with ZIP, it will have to be unzipped, first), you will need a word processor such as Word for Windows, WordPerfect, Claris Works, etc., to read it. You will have to start up your word processing program, first. Then, you need to know what directory (folder) your file was downloaded to. In most cases, it will be in AOL30/Download, but this can vary. If you click on Download Now for one file, the directory your files are going to will be displayed. Write this down so that you can find it, later.
Most Genealogy Forum files are in a text format after they are decompressed. Word can load in a "DOS text" file for reading and printing. A word processor can also do a "search" for certain words, so that you can scan through the downloaded file quickly for specific names or places. Other word processors can load in the file, as long as you make sure you are loading in a plain "text" or ASCII file - you may need to read your word processor's manual for instructions about how to load in such files. If you do not have a word processing program capable of handling large text files, you might want to download and use QREAD from the Genealogy Forum's DOS & Windows Files & Utilities Library or an equivalent program from the Mac Library. QREAD is found under the heading of "Read BIG, LONG Text Files" in the DOS & Windows Library and works under Windows.
If the text file is short, your own AOL software can read it. Click on the word "File" at the top of your screen and then the word "Open" and find the name of the file after it was decompressed. You can also read short files with the Windows Notepad or import longer ones into the Windows Write or Windows 95 WordPad programs. Macintosh owners will probably have Claris Works that does the same thing. Remember, if the file was "zipped," you will not be able to read it until it has been decompressed and another file was written (such as a .TXT file). You will then need to load in the newly-created .TXT file and NOT the original .ZIP file. Your AOL program can unzip files, if you set your downloading preferences to do so.
Again, if you do not have a powerful word processor and the file is too big for the AOL software, you can download a word processing program from the software libraries.
To print this text, click on "File", then "Print".
Beginner's Center | File Libraries | Internet Center
Message Boards | Resource Center | Reunion Center
Surname Center| Previous NEWS Issues
BACK to Cover Page - GFSNEWS 10/97
© 1997- 2004 Graphics By Carol, All Rights Reserved
Content © 1997 - 2004 GFNEWS, a monthly publication of Golden Gate Services, Inc. of Armada, MI The Editors welcome your ideas and articles, success stories, favorite genealogy research tips, comments and suggestions. The Genealogy Forum is a proud member of the FGS - Federation of Genealogical Societies