You can use 7zip or winrar for open rar and zip files for free.

http://www.7-zip.org/download.html
https://www.rarlab.com/download.htm

The Microsoft Office files (doc, docx, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, etc.) can be opened with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel etc. Go to this link to download a 60 day trial version:http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/try/
For problems regarding different versions compatibility go here: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=3
Balancing school with a full, or even part-time job schedule is difficult. Many non-traditional students also have partners or families. This added level of responsibility weighs heavily, and claims many hours that would otherwise be used to complete their homework.