.rar files
 

What exactly do I need to extract a file zipped with rar? I installed a version of WinRar, but was unable to figure out what to do.

Winrar tends to give you options in your menus. Select the file & go to menu bar File> & you'll see options like open or Extract here, etc. Either that or open Winrar & have it do a search (scan) of your computer. Or just direct it to where your rar file is.