A file with the ZIP file extension is a ZIP Compressed file and is the most widely used archive format you'll run into.
A ZIP file, like other archive file formats, is simply a collection of one or more files and/or folders but is compressed into a single file for easy transportation and compression.
The most common use for ZIP files is for software downloads. Zipping a software program saves storage space on the server, decreases the time it takes for you to download it to your computer, and keeps the hundreds or thousands of files nicely organized in the single ZIP file.
How to Open a ZIP File on a Desktop/Laptop?
On MacOS, the easiest way to open (uncompress or expand) a ZIP file is to double-click on it and let your computer show you the folders and files contained inside. In most operating systems, including Windows and MacOS, ZIP files are handled internally, without the need for any extra software. On a Windows PC, you can also 'right-click' on a zip file and select 'Extract All...' This will prompt you to choose where you would like the files, contained within the zip file, extracted and saved to. Once extracted, the files can be used as normal.
Downloading to a Tablet or Phone (iPad, iPhone/iPod, Android Tablet or Phone)
Most of the questions that have come on downloading the audiobooks have been for mobile devices. The most frequent issue has been that the mobile device would not allow the download. The most common reason for this has been the lack of a file management app to accept the download. Once the zip file is downloaded, then it is necessary to unzip it and access the audiobook files with mobile device apps similar to the programs mentioned above for desktop and laptop computers.
Here are some suggestions for free apps that can be used to download and access audiobooks on Apple and Android mobile devices:
Apple iPad, iPhone, iPod
Apple mobile devices do not have centralized file management, which means each app has its own file management (or lack of it), and apps are populated by putting files in them with downloads (if they will accept them) and/or transfer from other apps, or an external computer.
If you use iTunes for accessing content on Apple mobile devices, audiobooks can be downloaded and unzipped on the main desktop or laptop and moved via “drag and drop” into the corresponding iTunes Library section, where they can be synced with your Apple mobile devices. This will work only for files compatible with Apple apps installed on the iPad, iPhone or iPod, including the iTunes Music Player (for MP3 audiobooks, which can be drag/dropped into Music and are seen as albums in iTunes).
If you do not use iTunes on a desktop or laptop computer to sync with your Apple mobile device, and wish to directly download Zip files and access their contents on your Apple mobile device, then the following free apps are suggested:
UbiDisk (file manager for Apple iOS 5.0 and up) – for receiving, unzipping, PDF reading and MP3 listening within the app, plus the “Open In” function to any other compatible app installed on the device. UbiDisk can receive direct downloads, as well as file transfers via USB or Wi-Fi network.
To download to UbiDisk from a link or email attachment, hold (not tap) your finger on the link or attachment, and a menu will appear. On that menu, you can select “Open In” and then select UbiDisk. Once you have downloaded to UbiDisk, you can unzip files, which automatically go into folders with the same names as the original Zip files, making it easy to manage your audiobooks. All folders and files are stored for easy access, and can be exported to other computers if desired. The “Open In” function in UbiDisk is accessed by selecting a file with the blue arrow on the right and then selecting the “move” icon at the bottom of the screen, which will enable opening the file in other compatible apps on the iDevice. This function will also copy the file to storage in the app selected, so it will be there for direct access in that app.
For MP3 AudioBook Listening on iPad/iPhone/iPod (free apps):
- UbiDisk – play of MP3 audiobooks from direct downloads
- iTunes Music – play of MP3 audiobooks (synced from iTunes only)
File Transfers to/from Apple Mobile Devices
Files can be copied back and forth between a desktop or laptop computer and apps on an Apple mobile device via a USB connection or Wi-Fi local network. This can be done through the iTunes program installed on the desktop or laptop and synced with the Apple mobile device, or by alternate means, such as UbiDisk.
When using iTunes, the device (iPad, iPhone or iPod) is selected under Library in the upper right corner of the iTunes screen on the desktop or laptop computer. The USB connection is default. Wi-Fi will only work after enabled in iTunes. Once the device comes up, click on “Apps” on the top menu. At the bottom of the Apps page, the file transfer function can be found, which can be used to send folders or files in either direction. It is suggested to send the audiobook files in Zip files or folders to a versatile file manager like UbiDisk on the Apple mobile device, where the files can be easily unzipped, managed and opened in any compatible app.
UbiDisk can receive transferred files via FTP, HTTP, Bluetooth or email without the use of iTunes. Files can also be transferred to UbiDisk via Wi-Fi from any desktop or laptop computer on the local network that has the UbiDisk “EasyPush” program installed.
UbiDisk can both import and export folders and files via Wi-Fi by FTP with a free FTP client software like Filezilla installed on the external desktop or laptop computer. The file manager that came with your desktop or laptop may also have FTP capability. Select the FTP transfer option in UbiDisk and follow the easy instructions. iTunes is not required for file transfers when using FTP between UbiDisk on an Apple mobile device and a desktop or laptop computer. FTP is an easy way to “drag and drop” files going in either direction.
Whether using iTunes, UbiDisk or other means, the ability to export folders and files to other computers from an Apple iDevice is a plus for those who are using the mobile device to directly download and access the audiobooks, and later would like to send them to their desktop or laptop. It can be done!
Android Tablet or Phone
Android devices have centralized file storage, and the same files can be accessed from multiple apps on the device. Downloaded files go the “downloads” folder, where they can be accessed, moved etc. If your Android device is not set up for downloading zip files and accessing their contents, the following free apps are suggested:
- Android File Manager (for Android OS 2.0 and up) – Can access, unzip, manage and open audio files in most compatible apps installed on the device. Unzipped files go into a folder with the same name as the original Zip file, making it easy to manage your audiobooks.
- AndroZip File Manager (for Android OS 2.0 and up) – Can access, unzip, manage and open audio files in any compatible app installed on the device. This app has a few extra options not available in the basic Android File Manager app. But it may display more ads than you would like, unless you opt for a paid version. Some of the free Android apps are like that, with ads until a paid version is downloaded.
For MP3 AudioBook Listening on Android (free apps):
- Music Player – Comes with Android. Not bad for continuous album/audiobook playing
- WinAmp – Full featured player for continuous album/audiobook playing.
File Transfers to/from Android Mobile Devices:
When an Android device is plugged into a desktop or laptop computer with a USB connector, its central storage can be seen like any other storage drive, and files can be transferred (going in either direction), moved or copied easily using the desktop or laptop file manager.
There are many other compression/decompression tools that can be used to open (and create!) ZIP files, commonly referred to as zip/unzip tools.
Please note: Koinonia House does not endorse, are affiliated or claim any responsibility for 3rd party websites and software.