Everyone knows that files packed by the archiver take up much less space. As a result, archives are transferred faster over the network. Recently, the so-called SFX archive, which has the ability to self-extract, has been popular. This function is interesting in that such an archive can be unpacked on any computer, even if there is no archiver program. This is achieved by including a self-extracting module in the archive, which only slightly increases the size of the archive as a whole.
You can create an SFX archive before compressing the files, as a result not an ordinary archive will be created, but an executable file with the extension * .exe. The unpacking program starts immediately after double-clicking on the file. The window, although modest in most cases, performs its own functions: it is possible to extract files to the archive folder or set the required path manually.
This method of distributing files is suitable for those who are not sure that the recipient understands computers and will be able to unpack the package on their own. The main advantage that makes you use the SFX archive is simplicity. The user does not need to install unnecessary programs, does not require any additional knowledge and skills. All that is required from the recipient is to start unpacking and wait for it to finish.
There are two drawbacks to this method. The most important thing is the risk of stumbling on a virus built into the archive code. Increasingly, the network offers to download useful files in the form of such archives, but most likely it is either viruses or extortion of money (sending SMS for unpacking). Using the simplest security rules and ignoring such archives from unknown suppliers will help to avoid such problems and reduce the risk.
The second drawback lies in the fact that, due to the unreliability, the SFX archive is regarded by antiviruses as a malicious file and, in the best case, it simply blocks the start of unpacking. At worst, the archive is deleted. If you trust the source, disable protection and unpack, if not, scan the file manually to make sure it is safe.
Such archives are used to distribute modifications to games. Sometimes 7z SFX archives confuse users - they are mistaken for viruses, game files, and simply for extra files. That's because meeting such an archive now is a rarity because the * .rar or * .zip format is more popular at the moment.
Where the SFX archive is indispensable is in
backing up data. The fact is that such an archive is more convenient if you plan to unpack it rarely and completely. Anti-Virus does not spend resources constantly scanning trusted exe-files, and in case of data transfer or recovery, the whole procedure will take only a couple of clicks.
In conclusion, I want to summarize: this type of archives is ideal for personal use, but extremely undesirable for the distribution of files on the network. Downloading unknown files capable of self-extracting is not recommended. When run as administrator, the antivirus will not be able to control the SFX module. The program will gain access to system files. For example, the seemingly harmless function “delete files after unpacking” can be used to destroy all data on the user's disk.