About RAR Files

RAR files are a type of archival file that uses technology similar to ZIP files to compress a large amount of content. Although the RAR format first appeared on MS-DOS, it has had a surge in popularity over the past few years. This is mostly due to the file's ability to compress several large files into one small package suitable for sending over the Internet.

Function

RAR files are used primarily as container or archival files for media intended for sharing on the Internet. RAR files can hold a multitude of different file types, including GIF/JPEG image files, AVI, MPEG, and WMV video files, and MP3 and AAC audio files. Once the media has been placed in a singular folder, an archival program must be used to compress all of the files and change them into the RAR executable format. Once the folders have been archived, the singular RAR file can be attached to emails or uploaded to the Internet. However, if a RAR file is downloaded, the receiving party must have the appropriate software to extract the archived files.

Significance

The RAR file is the only archival format that allows you to split contents into different "volume" partitions. This is significant because it allows to to save entire data libraries in a single file format, instead of requiring the users to split up different files and compress and/or transmit them separately. The RAR format is frequently used in corporate settings, and is most often used to share data between users or to provide archival-format software.

Types

There are three different types of RAR files: RAR, RAR2, and RAR3. RAR and RAR2 are essentially the same and are cross-compatible, but RAR3 is the most modern and is very distinctive. While the first one did not separate RAR files within other RAR files, RAR3 changes the filename of the different volumes and puts them in a filename.volume001.RAR format. This makes the RAR3 format non-backward compatible with any of the previous versions, although most modern archival software will read all three. RAR3 also has an advanced encryption standard, a recovery volume option, and support for up to 4GB of compression in a single file.

Benefits

There are several benefits to using a RAR file system as opposed to other archival file types like ZIP and ARJ. First of all, it is the only archival system that allows you to separate data into distinct volumes, and it allows you to create various "libraries" of data. RAR files also carry a higher level of encryption, which means any RAR files you send over the internet will be much safer. RAR is also a very user-friendly format, and it is very easy to categorize and archive files using WinRAR for Windows.

Warning

Although RAR files are generally used to back up and archive important data, they can also be used to pirate mass amounts of media. Using RAR files to distribute copyrighted material is not only a violation of your RAR software's terms of use, but it is also illegal.

Resources

• WinRAR Homepage
• The RAR Lab Homepage

Photo Credit

WinRAR