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(tar.info)Format Variations

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Format Variations
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   Format parameters specify how an archive is written on the archive
media.  The best choice of format parameters will vary depending on the
type and number of files being archived, and on the media used to store
the archive.

   To specify format parameters when accessing or creating an archive,
you can use the options described in the following sections.  If you do
not specify any format parameters, `tar' uses default parameters.  You
cannot modify a compressed archive.  If you create an archive with the
`--blocking-factor=512-SIZE' (`-b 512-SIZE') option specified
(Note: Blocking Factor), you must specify that blocking-factor when
operating on the archive.  Note: Formats, for other examples of
format parameter considerations.