What is RAR and when should I use it?
RAR enables you to use its many powerful functions as it is the original Windows DOS text mode version that predates WinRAR, and its regularly updated versions are still in everyday use worldwide, as its many extra functions enable it to go way beyond WinRAR’s more limited functions.
RAR is available in downloadable customised versions for Windows, Linux, Mac and Android phones plus FreeBDS Operating Systems (OS).
Why would I want to use RAR?
Because it provides direct access into your OS, there is a much wider range of possible commands and switches available for both advanced users and those of us who are willing to learn how to make good use of RAR. As each of these text mode functions will provide us with more detailed and finer control than is possible with a graphical interface such as Windows.
When would I use RAR?
With RAR you will have full use of the many powerful “low level” functions inside your OS (Operating System).
So have you ever been a bit frustrated using WinRAR.exe, when its commands don’t quite do exactly what you require?
Then I suggest you try looking up the extensive list of RAR commands and switches that are available inside Help (at the top right of each WinRAR window), as well as the rar.txt document that is supplied with WinRAR.
In there you are sure to find at least one command for what you want to do.
But unless you are already quite familiar with the wide range of those commands and functions, you will find there is a learning curve to overcome.
How can I learn to use RAR.exe?
You could start learning by trial and error by working through the RAR functions, but that will take quite a chunk of your time to become proficient with using RAR.exe, so keep reading for more!
Here’s an overview:
In Windows if you first open the Command Prompt, Cmd, then you can enter one or more of RAR.exe’s commands and switches on one line. But you must remember to make a .txt copy of that file so you can reuse and modify those functions.
Once familiar with that, you could take it to the next level by including programming functions such as If … Then, on multiple lines, using Windows.bat.
By renaming that .txt file to .bat, you can then add a wide variety of Windows BATch file commands to create multi line mini-programs that are now capable of a much wider range of uses.
But there is also a higher level and little known ‘secret’ to using RAR!
Windows Powershell makes using RAR far more powerful by enabling us to create a wider range of useful mini apps.
Powershell is a far more capable programming utility than .BATch files, so that you can use it to automate regular, tedious, or time consuming tasks and then use them from inside Windows.
Powershell includes a command line shell and an advanced scripting language, making it extremely useful for those of us that need to get even more done with RAR.exe.
How do I start?
Does all this sound too difficult for you? Well, you’ve come to the right place. I can provide you with answers to these questions with either or both of my two RAR courses:
The RAR Command Line course was originally the introductory first hour of the full course (see below). This free 13 part email course is for WinRAR users who are interested in creating their own “mini app” lines of code with RAR.exe and Windows Cmd line.
This course starts from the beginning with students becoming familiar with many of the most used commands and switches available in RAR.exe and then uses examples to enable them to start using them Windows Cmd (Command Line) to create single line code projects.
The email content was originally the introductory part of the full 6 hour video based course, and is now free to anyone to get the introduction to what is possible with the full RAR Secrets Course. Plus this website now provides new RAR.exe users with a free Members discussion area by selecting Welcome in the top Menu.
The RAR Secrets Course
The full RAR Secrets Course that I am currently preparing for its release in August 2023, is recommended for all more experienced RAR.exe, and WinRAR users, who want to extend their knowledge.
During this course as you become familiar with the extensive RAR Commands and Switches you will also learn how to use them as the much more useful multi-line code in .BATch files.
The course then moves on to understanding how to efficiently use Windows PowerShell so that you can then customise and create your much more useful ‘mini-apps’ to your exact requirements.
This extensive set of 5 1/2 hours of video modules is scheduled to start in August 2023.
So for your opportunity to go on the priority list, before the general public gets to hear about it, click here. Then by providing your full name and best email I will keep you informed about this very useful course!
An additional bonus for all RSC members will be the Private Members area, which will be available after the August 2023 RSC launch.
Selwyn Arrow, WinRAR How To
P.S. The latest version 6.22 of both WinRAR and RAR is always available here, for you to download.,
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