Which archive format commonly contains multiple files and directories and is used with compression to save space?

• A. A single executable program
• B. A compressed archive containing multiple files
• C. A firmware image
• D. A log file

Answer: (B)

An archive that bundles multiple files and directories and is often compressed to save space. This type of file collects several items—often preserving the folder structure—into one container, and applying compression reduces the overall size. That’s why you commonly see formats like ZIP, RAR, or tar.gz used to package many files and folders together for easier storage or transfer. In forensics, this approach helps preserve a set of related artifacts in a single, manageable file while keeping the original paths and metadata intact. The other options describe individual, standalone items (a single executable, a firmware image, or a log file) rather than a bundled, potentially compressed container of many files.