How to rar files in Ubuntu 19.04

Understanding RAR Files and Their Benefits

RAR is a popular archive file format that compresses data more efficiently than many other formats. This is particularly useful for saving storage space and speeding up file transfers. In this article, we will explore how to create RAR files on Ubuntu 19.04, ensuring that you can bundle multiple files into a single compressed archive effortlessly.

What is RAR?

RAR, which stands for Roshal Archive, was created by Nikolai Khristenko and has gained popularity for its superior compression capabilities. Unlike the ZIP format, RAR files often provide better data compression rates, which can be beneficial for storing large amounts of data or for making file transfers over the internet quicker and more efficient.

Why Use RAR Files?

1. Efficient Compression: RAR files can compress larger files more effectively than many other formats, which is important for saving disk space or bandwidth.

2. Error Recovery: RAR archives contain built-in error recovery options, making it easier to retrieve corrupted files.

3. Strong Encryption: For individuals concerned about security, RAR archives can be encrypted, ensuring that your sensitive files remain secure.

4. Multi-Part Archives: RAR format supports splitting large archives into multiple smaller files, which makes it easier to transfer them via email or other file transfer services.

Installing RAR on Ubuntu 19.04

To create RAR files on Ubuntu 19.04, you need to install the rar package. By default, this software may not be included in your Ubuntu installation; however, you can easily install it through the terminal.

1. Open the Terminal: You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in the application menu, or by using the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Update Your Package List: Before installing new software, it’s a good practice to update your package list to ensure you have access to the latest versions. Enter the following command:

   bash
   sudo apt update

3. Install the RAR Package: After updating your package list, use the command below to install RAR:

   bash
   sudo apt install rar

4. Confirm Installation: To verify that RAR was installed successfully, you can check the version:

   bash
   rar

   If you see the RAR command options displayed, the installation was successful.

Creating RAR Files

Now that you have RAR installed, creating an archive is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Basic Syntax

The general command syntax for creating a RAR file is:

bash
rar a [archive_name.rar] [files]

• rar: This calls the RAR program.
• a: This option tells RAR to add files to the archive.
• archive_name.rar: This is the name of the archive you want to create.
• files: This is the list of files and directories you wish to include in the archive.

Example: Creating a Simple RAR Archive

1. Navigate to the Directory: Use the cd command to go to the directory containing the files you want to compress. For instance:

   bash
   cd Documents

2. Creating the Archive: Suppose you want to compress three files: file1.txt, file2.txt, and file3.txt. Run the following command:

   bash
   rar a my_archive.rar file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt

   This command creates my_archive.rar containing the specified files.

Adding Entire Directories

You can add an entire directory by specifying the directory name instead of individual files. For example:

bash
rar a my_archive.rar my_folder/

This command creates a RAR file that includes everything in the my_folder directory.

Adding Compression Levels

RAR provides different levels of compression. The default compression level is optimal, but you can adjust it using the -m option, where you can specify values from 0 to 5.

• 0: Store (no compression)
• 1: Minimum compression
• 2: Fast compression
• 3: Normal compression (default)
• 4: Good compression
• 5: Best compression

For example, if you want to create a highly compressed file, you might write:

bash
rar a -m5 my_archive.rar file1.txt

Extracting RAR Files

To extract files from a RAR archive, you can use the unrar command, which is often installed alongside rar. If you haven’t installed it, you can do so with the following command:

bash
sudo apt install unrar

To extract a RAR file, navigate to the directory containing the RAR archive and use:

bash
unrar x my_archive.rar

This command will extract all files to the current directory. Alternatively, you can also specify a destination folder:

bash
unrar x my_archive.rar /path/to/destination/

Managing RAR Files with Advanced Options

The RAR command also offers advanced options for managing your archives effectively. Here are some useful options:

• View Contents: If you want to view the files inside a RAR archive without extracting them, you can use:

  bash
  rar v my_archive.rar

• Test Archive: To ensure your archive is not corrupted, you can test it with:

  bash
  rar t my_archive.rar

• Delete Files from Archive: If you forget to include a file or need to remove something:

  bash
  rar d my_archive.rar unwanted_file.txt

Conclusion

Creating and managing RAR files in Ubuntu 19.04 is a streamlined process thanks to the rar and unrar commands. With their unique benefits—like efficient compression, encryption, and error recovery capabilities—RAR files prove to be a valuable resource for users looking to handle large amounts of data with ease.

Next time you find yourself needing to compress files, whether for storage or sharing, consider using RAR for its extensive capabilities.

FAQ

1. What is the advantage of using RAR over ZIP files?
RAR files generally provide better compression ratios than ZIP files, making them more efficient for storage and file transfer.

2. Can I open a RAR file without RAR installed?
Yes, you can use alternative tools like unrar or graphical applications that support RAR extraction, such as PeaZip or File Roller.

3. Are RAR files secure?
Yes, RAR files can be encrypted, providing an additional layer of security for sensitive information.

4. How do I compress a large folder with many files into a RAR file?
Simply use the command rar a my_archive.rar /path/to/your_folder/, and RAR will handle the rest.

5. What should I do if I forget my RAR password?
Unfortunately, if a RAR file is password-protected, there is no easy way to recover the password. You may need to use specialized software that attempts to brute-force the password.

6. Can I create a self-extracting RAR file?
Yes, RAR offers the option to create self-extracting archives on Windows. On Linux, you would need to use Wine or other similar software to manage that.