BleepingComputer.com: .rar Extension

Someone has sent me two files - one of photos, one of video. I saved them to my desktop and they have the extension .rar How do I get these open please?

I am running Windows Vista with all the normal programs such as Office. I also have the free Realplayer, and free Quicktime. Is there something I can down load to open these? I asked Windows to search and they said the files contained compressed files, but they didn't give me an obvious solution and quite frankly I'm baffled.

Thanks! Lulabelle

You need a program such as Winrar to open these files.

Unfortunately, Winrar costs money, but if you go to http://www.download.com/WinRAR/3000-2250_4-10007677.html you can download a clean, malware free thirty day trial for free.

That will open your files and give you time to ask your contact "no more .rars please", or to buy the prog if that suits. 

Actually, Winrar's "free trial" lasts indefinitely, although after 30 days it will gently bug you from time to time.
Cheers,
John

Thank you! All downloaded and opened.
You are stars.....
L