Why do files always come in ZIP or RAR format

[DoubleROFL]

i understand that lots of files need to be in ZIP or RAR files

but

what about a single file...like a installer?

why cant they save us some hassle

 

[Woosta]

Sometimes web servers don't allow certain file extensions to be uploaded such as .exe, so you have to zip them up somehow via .tar.gz/.zip/.tar/.rar so its "safer" and you'll have less to download sometimes if its compressed (smaller filesize).

I'd rather get 300 pics in a single .rar/.zip instead of manually... and sometimes multiple files like for programs are needed.. it would take too much time trying to make one installer...

 

[pyonir]

I just wanted to post in this n00b thread.

carry on.

 

[Steve]

Checks and balances!

 

[Baked]

Wrong forum.

 

[BrokenVisage]

Preserves meta data.

 

[KK]

I love downloading winrar in rar format.

 

[Soundmanred]

Pirates love zipped files. Duh.

 

[Steve]

Sweet, a thread with five consecutive Lifer posts!

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: DoubleROFL
i understand that lots of files need to be in ZIP or RAR files

but

what about a single file...like a installer?

why cant they save us some hassle

:camera:'s?

 

[KLin]

Because they want to piss you off.

/thread

 

[BrokenVisage]

Originally posted by: Steve
Sweet, a thread with five consecutive Lifer posts!

Ironically preceded by 2 noobs with the combined post count of 13!

too bad Soundmanred had to ruin the Lifer thing though

regardless, I believe my answer is the most logical, which makes me the winrar! *rim shot*

 

[Leros]

Compression

 

[George P Burdell]

7z REPRESENT!

 

[TrukinDave]

Originally posted by: Leros
Compression

You beat me to it: (LOL)

Single files can be compressed also.. to save room wherever they are being stored

 

[sdifox]

ever try to email an executable?

 

[CatchPhrase]

Try to mail a letter without an envelope.

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

Originally posted by: Steve
Sweet, a thread with five consecutive Lifer posts!

Could have been six but you were slow on the ball. Fail.

 

[pyonir]

Originally posted by: Cdubneeddeal

Originally posted by: Steve
Sweet, a thread with five consecutive Lifer posts!

Could have been six but you were slow on the ball. Fail.

Steve's always been a little slow...

 

[imported_Lothar]

Originally posted by: CatchPhrase
Try to mail a letter without an envelope.

It's possible.

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: CatchPhrase
Try to mail a letter without an envelope.

postcard pwnz j00

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: KK
I love downloading winrar in rar format.

Hah, yeah that one is always hilarious in a very annoying way

 

[TrukinDave]

Originally posted by: CatchPhrase
Try to mail a letter without an envelope.

Yup Its called a post Card (LOL)

 

[jjones]

Some people just enjoy confounding the n00bs and feel that if you can't deal with a compressed file then perhaps you shouldn't have it. Or it could be for compression and ease of use. It's a toss up.

 

[TallBill]

Think about the person paying to host a file. If you can shave even 10% of all data transmission, that would be a big $$$ saver.

So a 9 meg zip instead of a 10 meg exe might not matter to you, but maybe 500,000 people have downloaded it.