Files that contain the RPM extension are associated with multiple programs and applications and various file types. The programs and applications include Linux Package Manager, RealAudio, and RunPaint. RPM files contain data which is directly related to the program that created the file.
If the RPM file is related to Linux Package Manager, the file is a compressed archive file type which contains executable programs associated with a variety of different software functions. Some of the functions include installation, verification, and updates. Linux is a member of a line of UNIX-based operating systems with its own software applications and other programs which are typically created by an open source community of programmers.
RPM files which are created by RealAudio are a plugin and add-on file type that contains small pieces of code used by add-on programs which deliver specific functionality for media applications. The files contain audio codecs in a range of formats used for streaming media in media players and over the Internet. The data in an RPM file of this type adds extra features to RealAudio for use with the RealPlayer program.
If the file extension RPM is associated with RunPaint, it is a graphics file type which contains data related to images. RunPaint is not a widely used program, but the images still can be viewed using a number of different applications.
How to Open RPM Files
If you are unsure what program created the RPM file, double click on the file to see if it will automatically open with a default application. Depending upon the RPM file type you may have an application installed on your PC capable of reading the file.
If the RPM file is associated with Linux Package Manager and you use Windows, you can open the file with Red Hat Linux Package Manager, 7-Zip, IZarc, ZipZag, or QuickZip. Other programs such as Zipeg and PeaZip will also open this type of RPM file in Windows.
For Mac OS X, you can open Linux Package Manager RPM files using The Unarchiver, Dare to be Creative Archiver, or Zipeg for Mac. When using Linux, you can use Red Hat Linux Package Manager or Alien.
If the RPM file is created by RealAudio, you can open it with RealNetworks RealPlayer, which works with Windows, Mac, and the Linux operating system.
RPM files associated with RunPaint can be opened by RunPaint, which is an open source graphics program available as a free download from the relevant website. If you want to open this type of RPM file in Windows, Mac, or Linux, you can use XnView, which is an open source software application that stores and views graphics file types. XnView is available as a free download from the XnView website.
