File compression has many uses. The most popular is reducing the file size and sending several files in one file.
We use file compression to deliver our information, it makes multible combined files that download faster due to the reduced (compressed) size.
Unfortunately hackers have taken advantage of compressed files so most providers no longer allow compressed files in emails. For this reason we provide links so the interested party can download the compressed files.
After downloading the compressed file it needs to be un-compressed using a software for this purpose.
For these tasks of compress and uncompress there are several software programs. The most popular of these are WinZip, WinRAR and 7-Zip. We use and recommend 7-Zip for several reasons. It works extremely well on all files. It handles .bin files and others very well. Have you ever downloaded compressed software that did not work after de-compressing with WinZip? Try de-compressing with 7-Zip. You may find that the software now works.
7-Zip works with Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP / 2019 / 2016 / 2012 / 2008 / 2003 / 2000, and Linux. In fact, 7-Zip is included with several Linux distros. 7-Zip is light weight using only about 1.5MB compared to WinZip that requires 49MB. 7-Zip is open source and free to use requiring no registration or payment.
If your Linux distro does not include 7-Zip don't worry, you can easily install it.
p7zip packages are in the universe repository in Ubuntu so make sure that you have enabled it using this command:
sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt update
Use the following command to install 7zip support in Ubuntu and Debian based distributions.
sudo apt install p7zip-full p7zip-rar I hope this has been of some interest and help.
References: 7-Zip, WinZip, WinRAR
In closing I need to say that I am not associated with 7-Zip in any way and do not receive any form of compensation from 7-Zip.