From bytes to bits
Hear Me RAR
The non-free RAR compression tool offers some benefits you won't find with zip and tar.
Archiving files is like preserving your digital legacy in a time capsule. It gives you a safety net against unexpected computer crashes or data loss, ensuring you can always recover important files. That's why file compression tools are essential in the realm of Unix-based operating systems such as Linux.
As a Linux user, you're probably familiar with file compression formats such as zip and tar. However, you might also come across RAR files from time to time. Unlike zip and tar, RAR is commercial software [1]. You can use RAR for free for up to 40 days; then you'll need to buy a license, which currently costs around $29. You might be wondering why a Linux user would pay money for a non-free compression tool when zip and tar are available for free. The answer is that RAR offers some benefits when compared to the alternatives, including:
- Higher compression ratio: RAR often provides better compression ratios, resulting in smaller file sizes.
- Password protection: RAR allows for strong password protection, ensuring your sensitive data remains secure.
- File splitting: RAR's ability to split archives into smaller parts is handy for sharing or storing large files.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
System76 Retools Thelio Desktop
The new Thelio Mira has landed with improved performance, repairability, and front-facing ports alongside a high-quality tempered glass facade.
-
Some Linux Distros Skirt Age Verification Laws
After California introduced an age verification law recently, open source operating system developers have had to get creative with how they deal with it.
-
UN Creates Open Source Portal
In a quest to strengthen open source collaboration, the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology has created a new portal.
-
Latest Linux Kernel RC Contains Changes Galore
Linux kernel 7.0-rc3 includes more changes than have been made in a single release in recent history.
-
Nitrux 6.0 Now Ready to Rock Your World
The latest iteration of the Debian-based distribution includes all kinds of newness.
-
Linux Foundation Reports that Open Source Delivers Better ROI
In a report that may surprise no one in the Linux community, the Linux Foundation found that businesses are finding a 5X return on investment with open source software.
-
Keep Android Open
Google has announced that, soon, anyone looking to develop Android apps will have to first register centrally with Google.
-
Kernel 7.0 Now in Testing
Linus Torvalds has announced the first Release Candidate (RC) for the 7.x kernel is available for those who want to test it.