What is your Archive app and why ?

krollo said:

You can use cloud storage like GDrive to send over multiple files without archiving but even these cloud storages compress to ZIP when you try to download the folder contents in a batch.

Yep, as does Dropbox, as does OneDrive ... all zip files "openable" from Windows (File) Explorer.

These has been my only exposure to zip files, in actual fact zip files send me into tin-foil hat mode - you never know what might be inside them (especially if they're related to program files, portable or otherwise. Good grief, who would want to go there !)

Callender said:

The previous poster neglect to mention that you cannot extract files from ISO ....

Right-click ISO file > Mount
Click new mounted directory/folder > select contents > Copy > Paste

Horses for courses. I've never had a need/want for zip formats other than those that can be handled by File Explorer, and my computer experience is none the worse off for the absence of other nefarious zip files.

Whatever rocks yer boat.

idgat said:

you never know what might be inside them

Insecurity is not the fault of the ZIP itself as it is simply a compression format from a technical standpoint. General tip is no matter what type of file you get from the internet:

1. Always download from trusted sources.
2. Have an anti-virus.

@EnvioX
For my own reason, I also read digital comics on my tablet and most PDF reader apps also support .CBZ (ZIP) and .CBR (RAR) for this purpose. I can create these files on my PC with the archive manager which I prefer over converting images to PDF. :)

steve108 said:

You have heard of antivirus software right?

krollo said:

Have an anti-virus.

Not quite sure I share your blind faith in absolute protection by anti-malware software. To the unsuspecting and/or inexperienced user, no amount of software protection is going to guarantee against that little one extra click, that one more step into curiosity, which is tantamount to an authorative over-riding of anti-malware protection.

Ignorance of safe internet habits is one that gets you into trouble, not specific file compression formats. AV is not a guarantee because you're supposed to pair it with common sense.

@steve108 You quoted me, I'm with you mate haha