How do I open a .rar file?
What are RAR Files?
Before getting into opening .rar files, let’s briefly discuss what .rar files are. These files are compressed “data containers.” You’ve likely heard of “zip” files, right? RAR files are similar. For example, let’s say that your boss asks you to send over all of the product photos that you shot earlier in the day. Well, we all know that photo files are huge and sending large quantities of huge files via e-mail can take forever, especially on dial-up. Rather than sending the files as huge, individual attachments, you could use a file compression utility to compress and bundle the files into one dramatically smaller RAR file.
The problem with doing something like this involves the other party who may not be able to open the RAR file after receiving it. Just as you are left scratching your head wondering what to do, so too might anyone else who receives a .rar attachment.
The RAR format is a little different than the ZIP format in that it has additional features including AES-128 encryption, multi-volume archives, multimedia and text mode, and even recovery features.
Opening RAR Files
Fortunately, RAR files can be opened using several different utilities. RAR is the format that is used with the WinRAR archiver which is available from RARlab.com for about $30 US. Depending on your needs, you may be able to get away with using the trial version to open this single file.
Other programs with RAR compatibility include: Bitzipper (a free 30-day trial is offered), 7-Zip (which is open source software), and Alpha Zip (free trial version is available). If you only need to open a RAR file here and there, then one of the free versions should be sufficient. However, if you want to be able to create your own .rar files and use the advanced features that this format offers, choose your utility carefully. For instance, Alpha Zip opens .rar files but it cannot create them.
Celeste Stewart | July 18th, 2009
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