patterns in zip

I've downloaded some free patterns, and they're all in ZIP files that I can't do anything with. I wanted to buy some patterns—are they in that ZIP file too? If so, I won't buy them because I can't open the ZIP files. I hope someone can answer my question. Thank you.

Normally, all ZIP files can be opened on a PC. Right-click, then select “Extract to,” and the folder will be unzipped. If your PC doesn’t have a program for this, download a ZIP extraction program. Google “ZIP program” and you’ll find some free ones
:)

You can also contact the designer and ask them to send you a PDF file :-)

First, sorry for writing in English—I’m from the Netherlands. I can read German, but I can’t write it. Thank you, Myriam13 and Mybabydesigns, for your answers. I managed to open the files and convert them to PDF, but I don’t find it a very easy process. These are the first patterns I’ve ever come across that are sent this way. So I’ll probably buy them in PDF format. I’ll definitely check out your site, Mybabydesigns. Thanks