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Glossary Entry: Archive File
Definition
Archive files (or just archives for short) are containers that combine multiple files into one single file for easy storage. They also usually feature some form of data compression, allowing them to be smaller than the files they contain. This makes them well suited for transferring files over the internet.
Note that you'll need to take files out of the archive in order to use them. Some operating systems allow you to do this like the archive file is a folder, so this may not require additional software.
Note that you'll need to take files out of the archive in order to use them. Some operating systems allow you to do this like the archive file is a folder, so this may not require additional software.
Additional Information
Archive files come in a variety of formats, some of which are more common than others. Below is a list of common archive file formats, and the software needed to work with them.
ZIP
Zip files are one of the most common archive formats around. They can be manipulated by almost any software that handles archives, including some operating systems.
RAR
Created by WinRAR.
7z
Created by 7-zip
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