Open up Windows Explorer and right click on the folder you want to compress (zip).
Choose the Send To option and choose Compressed (zipped) Folder

This will create a file with the same name, but the type will be Compressed (zipped) Folder.

Moving files and folders to or from compressed folders works the same as with normal uncompressed folders. For example, you can drag files or folders to the compressed folder. When you place a file in a compressed folder, that item is automatically compressed. A file that is moved from a compressed folder is automatically uncompressed.

1. Double-click the compressed folder that you want to password protect.
2. On the File menu, click Add a Password.
3. In the Password box, type the password that you want to use. Type the same password in the Confirm Password box, and then click OK.

Windows 7 does not allow users to password protect .ZIP files.

There are active (automated) exploits using .ZIP file attachments
in e-mail. It has become to risky to leave this on for people
receiving unsolicited e-mail--even from people they know (people
listed in the recipient's address book)

So, when using your waisman.wisc.edu account before attaching your compressed file to an outgoing email; simply rename the file to *.ZZZ or something ambiguous. Then attach as normal.

NOTE** On the receiving end, instruct to rename back to *.ZIP before extracting.