I just recently got Poser  7 & 8 and am wondering how do i get zip files or any file into Poser to use?? Probably a silly question to most but serious to me.......any help would be appreciated very much...............thanks in advance

Most product zips has a "runtime" folder.   You need to unzip the file into your poser's runtime so all the files end up in the matching folders, like textures, libraries, etc.  Then you should be able to access the files. 

Maybe someone has a better way to explain it or can even point to a tutorial?

Providing that the zip contains the correct folder structure, and most do, you need to install into the folder ABOVE runtime.

If your Poser installation is at C:Program FilesSmith MicroPoser 8
Then extract the zip to C:Program FilesSmith MicroPoser 8

If you are using a remote Poser library such as C:Docunents and SettingsAll UsersDocumentsPoser 8 Content
Then extract the zip to C:Docunents and SettingsAll UsersDocumentsPoser 8 Content

If using Windows you can explor the zip to reveal the Runtime folder. Then drag that to your Poser folder, or remote library Poser folder.

Or you can use this free utility:-
http://www.philc.net/unzip.php

Hope that helps.

A rider to the above is that some content MUST be installed to the main installation folder and not a remote library. The readme that came with the zip should tell you.