What does "gzipped" mean?

Many of the publications available here have been compressed using the GNU gzip compression program. They can be uncompressed using GNU gunzip (which is the same program, linked with a different name). Note that gzip is just a data compressor, not an archiver like zip, pkzip, etc.

If you are on a Un*x-type system, you probably already have gzip/gunzip somewhere. If you're on another type of system, you might not. Don't despair, though. Here are some helpful pointers:

  • Try the original GNU gzip for Unix.
  • Try the original GNU gzip for MS-DOS.
  • For Windoze, try WinZip.
  • For Mac's, "MacGzip" is reputed to do the trick.
  • No one here has necessarily tried any of these. If they don't work, be resourceful. You obviously have Internet access, so the world is at your fingertips.

    If you do have something that works for you, and isn't listed here, drop us a line with a URL and we'll add it to the list.


    Cog Documentation Project, cdp@ai.mit.edu