.PA File Extension

PA files exist as 3 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: PowerArchiver Compressed File

General Information

Title PA File Extension
Extension .pa
Full Form PowerArchiver Compressed File
File Type Compressed File
Developer ConeXware, Inc.
MIME Type application/x-powerarchiver

File Function

Primary Function Data compression
Additional Functions File archiving, Encryption
Features High compression, Multi-core support

File Characteristics

Quality Lossless
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable With software

Use Cases

Data Storage Yes
Data Transfer Yes
Backup Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks File corruption, Malware risk
Best Practices Regular updates, Secure sources

Historical/Version Information

Introduced 2017
Latest Version Refer to PowerArchiver website

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .zip, .rar, .7z, .tar

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
PowerArchiver Paid, Trial available Windows

Type 3: PulseAudio Startup Script

A PA file configures PulseAudio. PulseAudio manages a computer's audio. It runs at startup to specify a user's audio setup. The primary PA file is default.pa. PulseAudio loads settings defining a us...

General Information

Title PA File Extension
Extension .pa
Full Form PulseAudio Startup Script
File Type Configuration Script
Developer PulseAudio Project
MIME Type text/plain

File Function

Primary Function Configure PulseAudio
Additional Functions Load modules, Set parameters
Features Initialization, Customizable

File Characteristics

Quality Text script
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Sound System Configuration Yes
Audio Routing Yes
Volume Control Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Script injection
Best Practices Minimal permissions, Code audit

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2004
Latest Version PulseAudio 15.0 (2021)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .conf, .sh, .bash

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
PulseAudio Free Linux, Unix, POSIX
Audacious Free Windows, Linux
pavucontrol Free Linux, Unix