how would i open a zip folder that i am thinking of downloading?

Well you'd need a program like Winzip or Winrar (for Windows) but before you download a zip file, remember that they're often infected
WARNING: Viruses on the network you should be aware of

I hear you askin yourself have i got winzip or winrar. The answer is probs not its easy to find out download a zip and try to open it if you have tools then you will be able to, if not you will get a pop up saying you cant blabla and it will offer to take you to the microsoft website where this download is available, if i remember rightly winzip is free and u can get a trial of winrar that does everything the paid for model does.

Correct you are... But I bought both winzip and winrar... for $10.00 each! (Discount YAY)