Windows does have a default zip/unzip program for .zip files. He might have had a different format or wanted to encrypt a zip file. It looks like the Apple OS doesn't open all compressed file formats. There are a number of free and low-cost third-party compression apps available for the Mac. The Mac OS also comes with its own built-in compression system that can zip and unzip files. This built-in system is fairly basic, which is why so many third-party apps are also available. A quick look at the Mac App Store revealed over 50 apps for zipping and unzipping files. https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-zip-and-unzip-files-and-folders-on-a-mac-2260188
Yes, I have downloaded files on the Mac every couple years that needed some other compression program to unpack. I've never seen a thread in any venue except Windows about "my OS doesn't even have zip, where can I get a FREE one?" I don't know of any commercial zip program for Mac, either. Maybe there is, but certainly nowhere as widely used as WinZip.
And? I've never seen a mac user that has winzip on their machine, except if they're running windows in Parallels or something.
Huh? I posted a quote from an article saying there are over 60 unzip programs on the Mac App Store. You reply that you've never seen a commercial one. I showed you that WinZip makes a Mac version.
I needed it because a photographer sent us pics as a zip file. When I tried opening it an option to purchase WinZip popped up.
Opening it with what? zip opening is part of the windows explorer since at least Windows 8, maybe earlier - it should be built into the system. But, as Sly said, if for some reason it does not work (maybe WinZip highjacked the file-type?) - 7Zip should work.
I have never seen a commercial one. I've not looked because I haven't needed a zip program. I do know that people who switch to Mac from Windows expect they need that kind of thing and may be suckered into buying such things. My wife is a good example. I took away here Dell Windows laptop and gave her a new 13" MacBook Pro about 3 years ago. She insisted I install Windows in a Parallels VM for her, which she hasn't used since the first day. It made her feel better knowing that her old way of doing things was still there. I've since uninstalled it - why waste disk space and have it launch by accident? <-- that's a rhetorical question.
I found in my windows 10 pro that it would not unzip anything I downloaded in .zip form. I ended up installing 7zip.
Strange - it works without a hitch on my machines - the only thing I need to unzip is when you download multiple files from Google Drive it zips them. Maybe some programs use a codec that is not supported.
I have always just right clicked and hit "extract". I don't think I've downloaded free winzip since y2k.
