This article introduces the method of using Kiwix to download and read offline Wikipedia.
By acquiring knowledge through offline files, one can be unaffected by network environment and network costs. Even without internet access, whether on a plane, at sea, or in the mountains, one can learn new things anytime and anywhere.
Introduction#
Wikipedia#
Wikipedia is the world's largest free content, openly edited, and multilingual collaborative online encyclopedia project. This project utilizes Wiki technology, allowing users worldwide, including you, to modify its content simply by using a web browser. Currently, Wikipedia has become the largest and most popular reference work on the internet, recognized as one of the top ten most visited websites globally.
Kiwix#
Kiwix is an offline content reader that can be used to access content like Wikipedia.
The Kiwix reader can run on almost any device (including phones, computers, etc.). For end users, the experience is almost the same as using a regular browser, as its interface is nearly identical to browsing the original website, except it does not have internet connectivity.
ZIM Files#
The ZIM file format is a free file format used to store Wiki content like Wikipedia for offline browsing. This format compresses articles highly (the .zim files are very small and can be easily stored on small, inexpensive devices), supports full-text search indexing, and local categorization and image management, similar to the features of the MediaWiki system. Unlike the original Wikipedia XML database downloads, the entire ZIM file can be easily indexed and read by programs like Kiwix.
Steps#
- Download and install Kiwix
- Download ZIM files
- Open ZIM files with Kiwix
Download and Install Kiwix#
Please click this link to go to the download page: Download Kiwix Reader – Kiwix
It is recommended to first install the desktop client to download ZIM files.
(In the Windows environment, Kiwix will use aria2 to accelerate downloads.)
Download ZIM Files#
There are several ways to download: through the Kiwix software; using a downloader or browser to download via direct links; or using BT downloads.
Download ZIM Files from Kiwix#
Open the Kiwix client and select Wikipedia to download,
which is divided into three types:
- max includes all content
- no pic excludes images
- min takes up the least space
Download the appropriate version based on the remaining storage space on your device and your needs.
Download ZIM Files from the Website#
Open the website Index of /zim/wikipedia
Find wikipedia_zh_all (you can use the browser's search function), which also has three types (see Download ZIM Files from Kiwix). Please download the latest suitable version.
If the internet speed is too slow, consider using tools (downloading tools like IDM, Thunder, proxy servers, etc.).
You can also choose to download via BT (using qbittorrent, Thunder, etc.):
http://download.kiwix.org/zim/wikipedia_zh_all.zim.torrent
http://download.kiwix.org/zim/wikipedia_zh_all_nopic.zim.torrent
Open ZIM Files with Kiwix#
Simply open the downloaded ZIM file.
References#
ZIM (file format) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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