The RAR extension denotes a proprietary archive format. Just like the more common ZIP archives, a RAR archive can also contain multiple files and folders in a compressed form. A single archive can be split over several “volumes” which can be handy for spreading a large file (say, a backup) over multiple CDs.

Another reason to use .rar files is that RAR compression is typically more effective than ZIP, leading to smaller archive size for the same data. Nowadays diskspace isn’t such a major consideration anymore, but the smaller filesize can still be fortuitous when downloading files from the Internet. In addition to superior compression, the RAR format also offers very good encryption (at least compared to older version of Zip).

So how do you open a .rar archive? One way is to use a RAR converter to transform the archive into something that your existing can recognize. A more common approach is to use an archiver that can open the format, like 7-zip (freeware) or the eopnymous WinRAR (shareware). With WinRAR you also get the capability to create your own .rar archives, whereas 7-zip can only read .rar files but not write them.

Aside from the abovementioned examples, the most common way users encounter the RAR format is through torrent files (or a similar system). Some users insist on using little-known formats like a multi-volume, encrypted RAR file, or a disk image uploaded as UIF files instead of the more popular ISO format. There’s little practical benefit to this, but it’s still considered the proper style in some circles. If you encounter one of these formats, check the above link(s) for details on how to open them.

Overall, RAR archives are a very good alternative to ZIP files, though their usefullness is limited by the fact that many archivers don’t support the format.

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