7-Zip facts for kids
7-Zip is a special computer program that helps you organize your files. Think of it like a magic box where you can put many files and folders together into one smaller package. This package is called an "archive." When files are put into an archive, they often become smaller, which saves space on your computer and makes them easier to share.
What is 7-Zip?
7-Zip was created by a person named Igor Pavlov. It first came out in 1999. It's a "free and open-source" program. This means you don't have to pay for it, and clever computer users can even look at the code that makes it work.
How 7-Zip Works
7-Zip uses its own special way to pack files, called the "7z archive format." But it's also smart enough to understand and create many other types of archive files. This means if your friend sends you a file packed with a different program, 7-Zip can probably open it!
Using 7-Zip on Your Computer
You can use 7-Zip in a few ways:
- With Pictures and Buttons: Most people use 7-Zip with a graphical user interface (GUI). This is the easy way, where you see windows, icons, and buttons, just like other programs on your computer. It also works smoothly with your computer's file explorer, so you can right-click on files to pack or unpack them.
- With Text Commands: If you're a bit more advanced, you can use 7-Zip by typing commands into a special window called the "command-line interface." This version is known as p7zip. It's like giving the computer direct instructions with words.
Why is 7-Zip Free?
Most of the code that makes 7-Zip work is under something called the "GNU LGPL license." This is a set of rules that lets people use, share, and even change the software for free. It's a big reason why 7-Zip is so popular and helpful to many people around the world. There are a few small parts of the code that have special rules, but for most users, 7-Zip is completely free to use.
