whats winrar?

Question

and how do I get it / why do I need it for using Sims2 downloads?

Answer 1

Winrar is an unzipping prgram used to un zip files. Zipped files are files that have been super compressed and take programs to decompress.

Once it is installed, double clicking on a zipped file will boot up the program with options such as unzipped file destination.

You can get it here http://www.rarlab.com/ , it is a trial version, same as the full version except when you open it, it displays a pop up about the licence, after clicking "ok" it goes away and you can use the prgram.

I do not have Sims 2, and have never heard of a game requiring a seperate program. Check with Maxis or EA on thier websites to make sure. They will have the answer there.

Answer 2

As for the Sims 2 -
You don't need any unzipping program to run the basic game. However, some of the custom content that can be downloaded is compressed as to save space on the server and lower bandwidth requirements, not to mention its an easy way to group multiple files together.
It's been a while since I've installed any custom content for sims2, but as I recall you should be able to extract the files, then double click the .package file and it should automatically install. (NOTE: I don't exactly remember the process, so if this doesn't work, sorry, my memory isn't so good)