File Extension Database

Open USTAR File

The USTAR format is an extension of the TAR file format that was first proposed in 1985 for storing files on magnetic tape. Nowadays, it's ubiquitously used in digital platforms for various data compression and archival needs. It can handle file names of up to 256 characters in length, compared to the original TAR format, which was limited to 100 characters. There are several possible formats and ways to open and use files with USTAR file extensions.

Understanding USTAR File Format

The USTAR (Unix Standard Tar) format is a widely accepted standard for data interchange, especially in Unix-like operating systems. The USTAR format is notably more advanced than its predecessor, supporting longer file names and larger file sizes. For more info on tar and Ustar file formats, you may want to visit GNU Tar manual.

Opening USTAR Files

Opening USTAR files usually requires a specific software. These files may be opened using popular programs such as 7-Zip or WinRAR on Windows, or through the terminal on Unix systems using the `tar` command. Here is a helpful tutorial for the latter.

Other Uses of USTAR Files

Besides data compression and archival, USTAR files play a critical role in software development and distribution. Many open-source software and applications are distributed as USTAR files (often with the .tar, .tar.gz or .tgz extension). Extracting these files gives access to the application source code or executable, which can be further used for software installation or modification.

USTAR Files and Data Recovery

One of the lesser-known uses of USTAR files is in data recovery. Due to their robust structure, files compressed and archived using USTAR are resilient towards data corruption. Even if some parts of the USTAR file are corrupted, it's often possible to recover the remainder of the file. More on this topic can be found at this link.

USTAR File Important Information

It's important to keep in mind that USTAR files, like any other file type, are susceptible to malware if downloaded from insecure sources. Therefore, to ensure the safety of your data and system, always download USTAR files from trusted sources and scan new files for vulnerabilities before executing them. Also, ensure that you understand the file's content before opening it- USTAR can contain any type of file, including potentially harmful ones. Therefore, always scan with antivirus software, like AVG, and only open files from trusted sources.

How Can I Open USTAR File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open USTAR file is to find a USTAR file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a USTAR file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open USTAR file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as USTAR file opener then try to search online for "USTAR viewer", "application to open USTAR file" or "open USTAR file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open USTAR file

How Can I Open USTAR File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a USTAR file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a USTAR file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with USTAR file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as USTAR file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open USTAR file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open USTAR file then try to search for "USTAR viewer", "application to open USTAR file" or "read USTAR file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read USTAR file

How Can I Open USTAR File on Android

If you downloaded a USTAR file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded USTAR file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "USTAR".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "USTAR viewer", "USTAR file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open USTAR File on iPhone or iPad

To open USTAR File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the USTAR file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "USTAR". This way you can find apps which can open USTAR files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "USTAR viewer" or "USTAR file" online in your favorite search engine.

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