Encountered a file ending in '.gz' and feeling puzzled? Don't worry, you're not alone! A .gz file is simply a compressed archive, much like a .zip file, but created using the gzip compression algorithm. Think of it as shrinking a file (or files) down to a smaller size for easier storage and faster transfer.
Why use .gz files? They're especially popular in Unix-like operating systems (like Linux and macOS) for distributing software and backing up data. The gzip algorithm is known for its excellent compression ratio, meaning it can often squeeze files down significantly.
So, how do you open one? On most operating systems, you'll need a dedicated decompression tool like 7-Zip (Windows), PeaZip (cross-platform), or the built-in archive utility (macOS). Linux users can typically use the command line with `gzip -d filename.gz` or `gunzip filename.gz`. Once decompressed, you'll have access to the original file(s) inside. Now you're equipped to tackle those .gz files with confidence!
