Compressed archives streamline the process of managing multiple files by bundling them into a single file. This approach not only simplifies file transportation but also conserves disk space. Archive software often includes features such as encryption, which enhances security; file spanning, which allows large archives to be divided into smaller, more manageable pieces; checksums, which ensure file integrity; and options for self-extraction and self-installation, which enhance user convenience.

The Zip format stands out as the most widely adopted format, enjoying native support from the Windows operating system and, more recently, OSX. Meanwhile, the RAR format is celebrated for its versatility and widespread use. On the Unix front, the tar file format prevails, whereas Linux favors both tar and gz formats for its archiving needs.