raw access logs

[xtendedf]

where are the raw access logs located on the server?
i want to write a script that will allow me to sort the
logs by any column, ip, referral, etc.
i also want to archive them. it seems that the logs
are cumulative when i download the thing?

i know i can always download the logs, but i want to
serve up the contents online on real time.
any suggestions?

[xtendedf]

ok i found them. they're in the logs directory which is in the same
level as public_html (or www). the logs, however are zipped.
is there a way to unzip these on the fly and serve up the contents?