By: Kathy Johnston
Submitted: 2010-08-24 12:20:05 | Word Count: 475
Data files using the .RAR extension offer a compressed file format that is used to store one or more files. The RAR file is also commonly referred to as a data container since its primary purpose is to hold data, which it does in a compressed format. The purpose behind this concept is to make it easier to transfer large amounts of data when using email communication.
The letters RAR stand for Roshal Archiver. Roshal refers to the man who created this type of file format, Eugene Roshal. The word Archiver refers to the simple fact that RAR files are used to archive data.
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The data within a RAR file is typically contained in one or more files. Each file can contain individual, smaller files that are referred to as volumes.
Once a file with the .rar file extension has been downloaded, it needs to have its contents unpacked before they can be used. Special software programs are needed in order to unpack this data. Once you have the program installed on your computer, it is actually quite simple to unpack the data from the RAR files. This unpacking is also referred to as unzipping or opening the files. Once you open the files, you can then save them to your hard drive or portable memory stick.
Two of the most popular programs for unzipping or opening RAR files in a Windows-based environment are WinZip and WinRAR. WinZip is offered through the Corel Corporation. This application is used for a variety of purposes including file compression, data backup, packaging, and encryption.
A shareware application, WinRAR is provided with a 2-month free trial membership. After that time has passed, users of WinRAR are expected to pay for the right to use the application. RARLAB puts out this program.
A number of less commonly used applications are also capable of unzipping files with the .RAR extension files in a Windows-based environment. These programs include: 7-Zip, BitZipper, jZip, and ZigZag.
For MAC users, Stuffit and iArchiver are the proper applications to use to unpack your .RAR files. Stuffit offers a free trial for its use, similarly to WinRAR.
Once you have downloaded the .RAR file and the program that you are going to use to open it, you need to double click on the file and select the option to unzip. If a dialog window pops up requesting that you select the program that you intend to use to unzip the .RAR file, simply select the program that you have installed.
