What is a .UU file?
The file extension .UU represents a Uuencoded file. This type of file is created using a program called uuencode, which is commonly found on Unix systems. Uuencode stands for "Unix to Unix encoding," and it is used to convert binary data into text format. This conversion is particularly useful for sending binary files, such as images or executable programs, over email or other text-based systems without the risk of corruption.
A Uuencoded file contains a text-based version of the original binary file. This means that the file, which might originally include non-text data, is encoded in a way that turns it into a plain text format. This is done to ensure that the file can be safely sent over systems that only handle text and to prevent any data corruption that might occur if the file were sent in its original binary form.
To open a .UU file, you can use several programs: 1. **uuencode** - This program is included with many operating systems and is used to create Uuencoded files. 2. **uudecode** - Also commonly included with operating systems, this program decodes a Uuencoded file back into its original binary format. 3. **Corel WinZip** - A popular file compression and decompression software that can handle Uuencoded files. 4. **Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe** - This is a versatile file compression utility that can open Uuencoded files on both Windows and Mac operating systems. 5. **Apple Archive Utility** - Included with macOS, this utility can manage various types of compressed files, including Uuencoded files.
It's important to note that Uuencoded files are more commonly seen with the .UUE file extension, although .UU is also used. When you receive a .UU or .UUE file, you will need to decode it using appropriate software to revert it back to its original binary state before you can use the file as intended.
Verification
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