View source for Quantum compressed archive

{{FormatInfo
|formattype=electronic
|subcat=Archiving
|extensions={{ext|q}}, others
|released=≤1994
}}
'''Quantum''' is a compressed archive utility, and associated file format, developed by Cinematronics corporation. It runs on a normal computer, not a [[quantum computer]].

== Discussion ==
As of v0.97, the distribution includes:

* PAQ.EXE - Compressor for DOS
* UNPAQ.EXE - Decompressor for DOS
* QWIN.EXE - Decompressor for Windows 3.x

The software (at least for v0.96-0.97) is consistently named "Quantum", despite filenames that may suggest other names.

== Identification ==
Files begin with bytes {{magic|'D' 'S'}}. The next byte (the major version number) is probably always <code>0x00</code>.

== Specifications ==
* [{{SACFTPURL|pack|quant097.zip}} quant097.zip] → QUANTUM.DOC → "Archive file format" section
* [http://www.russotto.net/quantumcomp.html Quantum compression format]

== Software ==
* {{CdTextfiles|pdos9606/ARCHIVER/TOOLS/QUANT096.ZIP|Quantum 0.96}}
* [{{SACFTPURL|pack|quant097.zip}} Quantum 0.97]

== Sample files ==
* http://cd.textfiles.com/1000games/ → *.PAK
* {{DexvertSamples|archive/quantum}}

== Related formats ==
* Some Microsoft [[Cabinet|CAB]] files use the same "Quantum" compression scheme as this format.