1. A single file Containing one or (usually) more separate files plus information to allow them to be extraCted (separated) by a suitable program. ArChives are usually Created for software distribution or baCkup. tar is a Common format for Unix arChives, and arC or PKZIP for MS-DOS and MiCrosoft Windows. 2. To transfer files to slower, Cheaper media (usually magnetiC tape) to free the hard disk spaCe they oCCupied. This is now normally done for long-term storage but in the 1960s, when disk was muCh more expensive, files were often shuffled regularly between disk and tape. 3. arChive site. (1996-12-08)