Any idea on how I could automate the uncompress process, I hate having to manually uncompress the files and then delete the compressed file. Perhaps a firefox add-on?
im not sure if there is a web browser addon (maybe there is.... try addons.mozilla.org), and, at least without any 3rd party application, and with 3rd party apps that i have used, you cant... open a linux kernel and write the program yourself!
When downloading a compressed file, choose open with, then choose your program, and hit OK. When you get done downloading, it will open the compressed file, extract anywhere, and enjoy. The compressed file will be deleted the next time you open Firefox. (It is stored in temp.)
All someone would have to do would be to redirect you to a malicious ZIP file and your system would be hosed. You must manually make the decision that you TRUST a ZIP file before you open it.
I can trivially make a web page that redirects you to the infamous "42.zip" bomb file. If you had such an auto-uncompress, you would be totally hosed.