Here’s a quick tip on storing a number of files into a single archive file quickly and easily in Ubuntu. The instructions will also work for those who use other distros as long as they are using Gnome and Nautilus.
- Load up Nautilus (Places > Home Folder)
- Copy all the files you want to store in the archive to a single location. For example, I’ll often copy all the files and folders that I want to add to my home folder first.
- Highlight all the files to be included in the archive. You can select files and folders one at a time by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking on the desired file/folder.
- Right-click one of the highlighted files and select “Create Archive…”
- Name the archive and click “Create”.
Depending on the size of the files that you’ve selected, you’ll soon have a new zip file sitting in the folder where the source files are located.