Unix: Visual QuickStart Guide

Uncompressing files with uncompress

Compressing a file is handy for reducing the amount of disk space it uses, but you can't do much with a compressed file—directly, at least. You'll need to uncompress it first. As Code Listing 13.9 shows, you do so using the uncompress command.

To uncompress a file with uncompress:

• uncompress labrea.tar.Z

  At the shell prompt, type uncompress followed by the full file name of the file to uncompress. The compressed file is replaced by the uncompressed file, which is named like the original, but without the .Z (see Code Listing 13.9).

Tip

Remember that uncompressed files take up more space—sometimes lots more space—than compressed files. You might want to check your storage quota with your ISP before you uncompress ...