ARC (file format)

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ARC is a file format for lossless data compression and archiving files, developed by System Enhancement Associates. It was extremely popular in the early days of the BBS system. Both the file format as well as the program itself were called ARC. ARC made ​​the hitherto usual combination of a pack program, as then, sq, and one file archiver such as LBR superfluous, since both functions were housed in a program. ARC can pack multiple files into one file, as opposed to zip but no directory trees. The ARC format was the subject of some discussions that greatly influenced, among other things, the development of "open source " debate in the 1980s.

. arc is also often used as a file extension for different file formats, which are used for compression or archiving. FreeArc - a new, promising archiver - also uses the file extension arc. . However, it is a completely newly developed file format.

The Internet Archive uses a special variant of the ARC format to store multiple resources of web pages efficiently in a file can.

Under the operating system RiscOS a special variant was used, which is also referred to as "Spark archive". This version supports both system-specific information and the ability to save directory structures.

Confrontation with Phil Katz

In the late 1980s a dispute between SEA, the manufacturer of ARC, and Phil Katz was born. SEA Katz sued for infringement of copyright and trademark laws. Katz had a compatible ARC software called PKARC developed which was superior to the original in terms of stability and speed. A stir the testimony of an expert for software made ​​in court, who claimed that PKARC often containing identical comments, even with identical spelling errors. The matter went out in favor of SEA, and Katz developed on the ZIP file format.

File Extensions

  • . arc - was used on all systems.
  • . ark - adopted by some users to make clear that it was software for CP / M and MS- DOS does not.
  • . sue - sporadically to find after a few illegalities.
RISC OS MS-DOS
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