What is an SFX archive?

Everyone knows that the files packed with the archiveroccupy much less space. As a consequence, archives are transmitted more quickly over the network. Recently popular is the so-called SFX-archive, which has the ability to self-extract. This function is interesting in that such an archive can be unpacked on any computer, even if there is no archiver program. This is achieved through the inclusion in the archive of the self-extracting module, which only slightly increases the size of the archive as a whole.

You can create an SFX archive before compressing the files in theThe result is not an ordinary archive, but an executable file with the extension * .exe. The unpacking program starts immediately after double clicking on the file. A window, though modest in most cases, but performs its functions: it is possible to extract the files to an archive folder or to specify the required path manually.

This way of distributing files is suitable forthose who are not sure that the recipient understands computers and will be able to unpack the package on their own. The main advantage that makes using the SFX archive is simplicity. The user does not need to install extra programs, no additional knowledge and skills are required. All that is required from the recipient is to start unpacking and wait for it to finish.

There are two drawbacks to this method. The most important is the risk of stumbling upon a virus embedded in the archive code. Increasingly, the network offers to download useful files in the form of such archives, but, most likely, it's either viruses, or extortion of money (sending SMS for unpacking). Using the simplest security rules and ignoring such archives from unknown suppliers will avoid such problems and reduce the risk.

The second drawback is that the SFX archive inthe power of unreliability is regarded by anti-viruses as a malicious file and, at best, the unpacking start is simply blocked. At worst, the archive is deleted. If you trust the source, disable the protection and unpack it, if not - scan the file manually to make sure it is safe.

Such archives are used for distributionmodifications to the games. Sometimes 7z SFX archives confuse users - they are mistaken for viruses, game files and just for extra files. All because now to meet such an archive is a rarity because at the moment the format * .rar or * .zip is more popular.

Where the SFX-archive is irreplaceable, so it's in the backupcopying data. The fact is that such an archive is more convenient if you plan to unpack it rarely and completely. Anti-Virus does not spend resources on permanent scanning of trusted exe-files, and in case of data transfer or restoration, the whole procedure will take only a couple of clicks.

In conclusion, I want to sum up: This type of archives is ideal for personal use, but is highly undesirable for the distribution of files on the network. Downloading unknown files that are capable of self-unpacking is not recommended. When running as administrator, the antivirus can not control the SFX module. The program will get access to the system files. For example, an innocuous, it would seem, function "delete files after unpacking" can be used to destroy all data on the user's disk.