Re: How the heck does one..
 

[Looks over everyone's shoulders, taking notes for when the Highliner Mod is ready for upload...]

Re: How the heck does one..
 

Using something else than Winzip for a web page is IMHO a mistake. (I'm generaly upset when I have to deal with a compression tool I don't have) Winzip has become a standard, it's efficient and it's free. For your personal use on your computer, choose whatever you want anyway.

To reply to the question, I usually put all files and folders I want to zip in a folder(let's call it "X").

With the windows explorer, right click on "X" -> add to zip. Without checking any option, the sub-directories of "X" will be saved in the zip file. The main folder "X" is the root of the zipped tree, and it doesn't appear when unzipping the files.

Exemple : to pack the "starship" shipset :
http://diesel2035.free.fr/addtozip.gif

Re: How the heck does one..
 

Winace (dunno about Winrar) has a feature in that it allows you to make the archive self extracting. Then the recipient doesn't need to have Winace installed in order to deal with the archive. He just has to know how to double click.

Re: How the heck does one..
 

WinZip also makes self-extractors. First you make a normal .zip file, then you right-click on that file to create a self-extracting Version.

Re: How the heck does one..
 

I usually don't like to open a .exe file that I've downloaded on an amateur and anonymous site... Basic Internet Use precaution.
I'd prefer a zip file, at least I know what is inside when I open it.