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Most of the time that's what they are. Other example: Format Factory.
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Installer (EXE) OR Installer (ZIP archive)
May 16, 2010
7:44 PM
7:44 PM
ebony
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When dling a file, which is the better choice? OR does it matter?
Ebony
May 16, 2010
8:08 PM
8:08 PM
Locutus
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ebony said:
When dling a file, which is the better choice? OR does it matter?
Ebony
ZIPs take up less space, so if you're low on hard disk space, choose them. EXEs are less compressed, so they take longer to download and seconds less to install.
Oh, the site that was :(
May 16, 2010
8:15 PM
8:15 PM
ebony
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Thank you kind sir. Good to know. Once again you are on it. 
I have another question but I do not know how to phrase it so I will reserve the right to ask it at a later date.
Ebony
May 16, 2010
8:40 PM
8:40 PM
yourpalal
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ebony said: …..so I will reserve the right to ask it at a later date.
Hey Ebony
Your request for your right to reserve will be rightfully respected!!
Al
Life is just a phase you're going through…you'll get over it.
May 16, 2010
10:33 PM
10:33 PM
Ashraf
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What Locutus has described is true. However, since you are asking "which is better when DL'ing" I am assuming you are talking about websites that give the choice of EXE or ZIP download. In this case, where you are given the option of EXE or ZIP download, typically the EXE will be installer version while the ZIP will be portable version. Pick the one you want.
May 16, 2010
11:25 PM
11:25 PM
Adrian
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Portable versions have their cons since they can't associate file extensions (e.g. media players/photo viewers) according to definition.
May 17, 2010
3:38 AM
3:38 AM
ebony
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Al said
"Your request for your right to reserve will be rightfully respected"
So I think I know my question now
Ash said
"In this case, where you are given the option of EXE or ZIP download, typically the EXE will be installer version while the ZIP will be portable version. Pick the one you want."
I always want the one that I can save to my external hd in case of a hic up. Based on this info, that is the zip file/portable one right? In other words I will have an image, where as with the exe, it actually takes me out to the site and do an install and I will not have an image? 
I hope that makes sense. Tech questions are hard to compose.
Ebony
May 17, 2010
3:43 AM
3:43 AM
Gioneo
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Hum.. I'm gonna throw in there also that typically the .ZIP installer might contain some other "goodies" besides the program installer itself ( readme files or website links etc.)
May 17, 2010
3:52 AM
3:52 AM
Gioneo
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ebony said:
I always want the one that I can save to my external hd in case of a hic up. Based on this info, that is the zip file/portable one right? In other words I will have an image, where as with the exe, it actually takes me out to the site and do an install and I will not have an image?
I hope that makes sense. Tech questions are hard to compose.
Ebony
If your're thinking about backup, you can do it as much with the .EXE and the .ZIP. Although it is true that .ZIP since they are compressed will be smaller than .EXE, remember that .ZIP archives most of the time contain more than 1 file.
Hope this helps.
As far as Tech questions… just say what you want to say. It will always make sense in the end.
May 17, 2010
4:06 AM
4:06 AM
ebony
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Gioneo said
"Hope this helps"
It helps a great deal.
Believe it or not, I cut and paste the answers to my questions to a word file. I call it my Geek Cheat sheet. I know that is strange but I have accumulated a great manual.
Ebony
May 17, 2010
4:35 AM
4:35 AM
Gioneo
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Geek Cheat sheet…
Now that's funny.
May 17, 2010
5:32 AM
5:32 AM
yourpalal
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ebony said: …..I call it my Geek Cheat sheet. I know that is strange but I have accumulated a great manual.
Hey Ebony
Let us know when you get enough info together to create a:
dotTech newbie's Geek Cheat sheet manual !!!
Life is just a phase you're going through…you'll get over it.
May 17, 2010
5:37 AM
5:37 AM
ebony
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I think most folks here are eons ahead of me. They will probably be bored with what I call valueable info.
Why do I get the feeling you are poking fun at me?
Ebony
May 17, 2010
9:41 AM
9:41 AM
Harlan
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I usually prefer the .exe version since it handles all of the setup, which includes registry entries, directory structures, desktop shortcuts, icons, and automatic startups. The .zip file usually does not have an installer in it, just the program executable and any needed support files. I could do a basic install from those files and then complete it by going to the "options" menu, but I would rather let the installer do all of the work for me.
One advantage of the.zip file (besides the somewhat smaller size) is that it usually includes one or more documentation files. I often download programs and then save them for installation weeks or months later, by which time I've usually forgotten what they do. Being able to look at the "readme.txt" file in the .zip package is a lot handier than having to install it to see what it's capabilities are. Also, there may be a license file. I try to install programs only within the terms of their licenses, so I want to know before I go to the trouble of installing one whether I need a paid license to use it for commercial purposes.
May 17, 2010
10:57 AM
10:57 AM
ebony
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Thanks Harlan 
I have added this to my Geek Cheat Sheet. Now known as GCS.
Ebony
May 17, 2010
2:10 PM
2:10 PM
karen
Washington, DC Metro Area
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I've also seen a lot of cases where the ZIP contains the EXE installer (plus maybe some other files like a readme). GOTD downloads are an example of this.
May 17, 2010
2:36 PM
2:36 PM
Locutus
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karen said:
I've also seen a lot of cases where the ZIP contains the EXE installer (plus maybe some other files like a readme). GOTD downloads are an example of this.
Most of the time that's what they are. Other example: Format Factory.
Oh, the site that was :(
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