compress folders vs regular folders?

[froggyboy604]

What are the advantages of using zip , rar and other compressed folders or regular folders?

I'm not exactly sure, but some people say that zip, rar folder take up less space on a Hard drive, and are less vulnerable to viruses.

I guest the advantages of regular folders are you can open them without winzip or any other zip utility and It's easier to search for files within the folders.