File compression is commonly used for archiving files, as well as for uploading and downloading files, due to the reduced size of the resulting archive file and the convenience of being able to place multiple files into a single file package.
File compression utilities are programs that apply a file compression algorithm to from one, to any number of files, and create an archive file.
File compression utilities are capable of placing multiple files into one archive file, with a file size smaller than the sum of the files within it.
File compression utilities have an extraction feature that uses the algorithm originally used to compress and create the archive, in order to properly extract and recover the files from the archive.
There are many commonly used file compression algorithms used all the time online, and even on many disks containing software.
You may already be familiar with some of the most common archive file formats / types, such as .cab .zip .rar and .iso
The three letters after the dot in the file name correspond to the file type for that particular file.
With archive files, the file type corresponds directly to compression algorithm used to create the archive.
It is important in extracting the archive to know the file type in order to apply the correct extraction algorithm to recover the original files.
File compression and extraction utilities can handle from one, to any number of file compression types, depending on the utility.
File compression algorithms are applied to files, to create and extract archives using software known as a file compression engine.
There are different file compression engines for each type of file compression algorithm.
File compression and extraction utilities make use of these file compression engines in performing compression and extraction functions.
File compression and extraction utilities are convenient interfaces, that typically handle passing all the proper parameters to the appropriate file compression engine for you.
File compression utilities typically have an interface, which allows you to easily browse for and select the files you wish to archive, chose which type of compression you wish to use, and configure the compression options available, all in a single handy user interface.
Because compressed files are smaller than the original file, or files, they will upload and download faster and take up less space on the server. Because there is less file being downloaded it uses less bandwidth from your sources host as well as your service provider.
Some hosts, as well as service providers put limits on, or charge for monthly bandwidth.
It is more convenient to download a single archive file than the many files that may be needed for something.
Downloading a single archive containing all the necessary files also insures in a single download that you have them all!
Software programs on disks take advantage of the compression to allow files that would not other wise fit on the disk to be stored on the disk.
Compressing or archiving of files that are not frequently used conserves and makes more efficient use of disk space.
Some file compression utilities are capable of making self extracting archives.
Self extracting archives are archives that do not require any extraction software or utility in order to extract the archive.
In order to extract a self extracting archive, one needs simply to click on the file to begin the extraction process.
Self extracting archives typically have a .exe (executable) file extension.
Choosing to create a self extracting archive, while allowing it to be opened without the need for any extraction software, will result in a creating a slightly larger file. This is due to the extraction software being added to and built in to the file.
Some utilities offer the option to create a self extracting file before the archive is created, and others apply the self extracting properties to the file after an archive has already been created.
Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on what your starting with.
If you already have an archive and you want to add the self extracting properties to it, the ability to add this option when an archive already exists is convenient.
If you have a bunch of files and you want to create a self extracting archive from them, the option to create a self extracting archive before an archive exists is convenient.

(For supported self extracting archive file types)
First make an archive file containing the files you wish it to contain (in a supported file type, such as .zip).
Select your archive file with IZArc.
Left Click the "Action" Drop Down.
On the "Action" Drop Down left click on "Make .EXE file"
IZArc will create a self extracting version of the archive file.
When clicked on the self extracting archive will extract everything you placed in it.
This extraction will take place regardless of weather the computer extracting files from it has a utility to extract the files or not. The file is "Self Extracting".

Open up IZArc and left click the "Options" Drop Down
On the Options Drop Down Left "Configuration".
On the Configuration Window that opens up, left click on the "Program Locations" Tab.
On the "Program Locations" Tab left click the "Optional Virus Scanner:" Drop Down.
On the "Optional Virus Scanner:" Drop Down Left click on your virus scanners .exe file.
Your virus scanners .exe file will depend on the virus scanner software you have.
IZArc will have a list of common .exe files for a variety of virus protection software.
If yours is not in the list, you can left click the folder icon next to the "Optional Virus Scanner:" Drop Down and browse for the .exe file for your particular virus software.
Virus protection typically installs to C:\Program Files\ (the manufacturer of your virus software's folder here). You will then want to browse it's folder for its virus scanners .exe file.
To use the virus scanner feature with IZArc left click the "Action" Drop Down, and left click "Virus Scan".
IZArc will use your virus scanner to scan the current folders files (which includes the archive file), as well as all the current folders sub-folders.