Windows has the ability to zip up files and folders without the need to install WinZip separately. To Zip files that reside in a folder:

1. Open the folder that contains the files to be zipped.

2. Click Edit and then Select All and Windows will select all files in the folder for you or Ctrl click individual files to be zipped.

3. Click File, or right click the file(s) and then select Compress to ZIP + options or Send To, Compressed (zipped) Folder and verify the location where you want it saved or sent.

Windows will then compress the files and place them all in a new file with an icon that resembles a folder with a zipper along the left side of the folder. If file extensions are displayed you will see the new compressed file has an extension of .zip. This new .zip file can then be renamed if necessary and attached in an e-mail to send multiple files at once in a compressed format.

Windows can also compress entire folders so that you don't have to select all files.

1. Select the folder to be compressed.

2. Click File, or right click the folder and then select Compress to ZIP + options or Send To, Compressed (zipped) Folder and verify the location where you want it saved or sent.

Windows will then compress the folder with all of its files and place them in a new file with an icon that resembles a folder with a zipper along the left side of the folder. Again, if your computer is configured to display file extensions you will see the new compressed file has an extension of .zip. This new .zip file can be renamed if necessary and attached in an e-mail or assignment drop box to send multiple files at once in a compressed format.

Depending on your Windows settings you may find variations to these instructions, but they should be close enough to get you through it...

(Thanks to PERRY BAKER for sharing this info with my online classes!)