This document lists various internet-related utilities.
UUENCODE / UUDECODE
Internet mail protocols specify that all transmitted data be in readable
text format. This makes binary enclosures in email somewhat problematic.
Unix systems typically use UUENCODE and UUDECODE to get around this issue.
UUENCODE converts binary files into an ASCII format that can be appended
to your mail message; UUDECODE will convert the ANSI encoded data back
into a binary file. This is a convient way to distribute small shareware
programs.
An alternative to UUxxCODE is BINHEX, frequently used on Macs.
TAR / COMPRESS / UNCOMPRESS
Unix systems typically use "compress" and "uncompress" to pack files for
storage and transmission; they use "tar" to archive directories and
subdirectories. This is similar to the functionality built into ZIP,
used on DOS systems.
Occasionally, text files (such as documentation and specifications) on the
internet are tar'd and compressed. DOS versions of these utilities
exist to uncompress and untar these files. Note, however, tar'd and
compressed binary files are generally machine-specific unix binaries and
are typically not useful on DOS/Windows machines.
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