DonationCoder.com Forum

Main Area and Open Discussion => General Software Discussion => Topic started by: Curt on June 24, 2007, 06:09 PM

Title: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 24, 2007, 06:09 PM
I goofed and was forced to look for a temporary replacement for Explorer, so I could finish my work. So I looked a little, and within two minutes I found an alternative I have never heard of before: Ultra Explorer (http://ultraexplorer.mustangpeak.net/). After 3 hours I must say, I am impressed! Why did I never hear of this before?

Some of the key features of UltraExplorer are:

Drop Stack Window - Drop blocks of files into the drop stack for quick access later

Favorites Window - Build a favorites tree with any object you like from the shell.  The tree is fully aware of drag and drop and the clipboard.  Use the objects in the favorites tree just like the normal treeview and listview controls.

Command Line Window - Can't give up DOS and a command line?  UltraExplorer has a built in command line window that stays synced with the current view of the application.

Filter Window - Too many files to find what you want?  Use UltraExplorers Filter window.   Create new filter arguments by:

dragging and dropping objects to the window

using the selected objects in the active listview
Folders Window - Ultra fast Folder treeview that is positionable anywhere in the application.


History Window - User defined level of previously browsed folder.  Objects in this window can be used just as in the treeview or listviews, drag drop and clipboard aware.


Listview Window - A secondary listview window that can be used identical to the fixed listview.  Allows for a dual listview display if desired.


Tabbed Folders - There are several ways to create a new tab


Simply press the Control key when clicking on a folder and the folder is browsed in a new tab.

CTRL-T creates a clone of the current tab (CTRL-W closes the current tab)

Use the menu item in the Main Menu under "File"

Use the right mouse click context menu while hovering over the Tabs
Task Window - The Task window accepts plug in DLLs to extend UltraExplorer beyond its powerful built in capablilites.  The DLL can be built in Borland Delphi and distributed separately.  All that is necessary is the DLL file be places in the Plug In folder within the UltraExplorer install folder and the plugin will be available to the user.

Examples of plugins and the source code for the default plug in that come with UltraExplorer can be downloaded here.
 

 Fast Access to Common Tasks through Detachable Toolbars

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Common tasks such as Copy, Cut, Paste, and Show Properties can be access through normal context menus or through speedbutton right on the listview.  Also less common tasks can be access through the speed buttons, these include:

Up

Select All

Delete

New Object...

Send To...

View of Listview

Copy selected file paths to clipboard in either long or short filename
Breadcrumb Bar to quickly move back up through the folder path

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Click the button itself to browse to the folder or click the arrow down button to select from the folders contained with the particular crumb

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Does it miss anything? Yes; I am disappointed that there is no Search engine integrated yet - but it is on its way, they say. And my popup thumbnail pictures have gone; they were 3'rd party features. Other than that, it seems you can have this app almost anyway you want.

Check it out!: :Thmbsup:
http://ultraexplorer.mustangpeak.net

http://www.mustangpeak.net/
http://wiki.mustangpeak.net/index.php?title=Help_for_UltraExplorer
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 24, 2007, 06:18 PM
Oops! I forgot to tell it is FREE!  ;)

My version:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

http://ultraexplorer.mustangpeak.net/


Edit:

Here's the UltraExplorer forum:
http://www.mustangpeak.net/phpBB2/index.php?c=6

Thanks, twinkler!  :up:
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Perry Mowbray on June 24, 2007, 07:06 PM
I'm sure that UltraExplorer was mentioned here (although I can't find it now), as I installed it some months ago... and like you I'm impressed as well.

Where ever I originally found it had some criticisms about the programming method ("gluing different modules together opposed to coding it from scratch" from memory), but it works and I like the way it works... ;)

...and the author is active and answers emails...
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: edbro on June 24, 2007, 07:57 PM
I really like UltraExplorer also. Currently, I'm torn between xplorer2 and UE. Xplorer2 is less powerful but I really like it's simple interface. Of course, I modded mine with Skrommel's Barnacle to add a menu bar for my favorites. What I don't like about UltraExplorer is 1) it is definitely slower to load than xplorer2, 2) it only displays tabs for one pane at a time which I find confusing, and 3) I can't set the startup folder in the second pane. Yes, I know that is something small but it bothers me. In xplorer2 I can set both panes to start where I want them to.

Having said all that, I am using UE more and more over xplorer2. I am coming off of Directory Opus but had to give it up when I switched to Vista. I can't afford that updgrade price.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: lanux128 on June 24, 2007, 09:18 PM
if you want more choices, take a look here: 12 Windows Explorer Alternatives Compared (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=5759.msg40255#msg40255).

(https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=5759.0;attach=6694;image)
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: urlwolf on June 24, 2007, 09:31 PM
Here:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=176343&page=3
UE seems to be liked.
I find it pretty impressive.
Just when my Dopus 9 demo license is about to expire...
I just need a keyboard shortcut that takes me to the address bar, and I might be set wit UE!
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Perry Mowbray on June 24, 2007, 11:57 PM
I just need a keyboard shortcut that takes me to the address bar, and I might be set wit UE!

Have you asked the author?

You could do one in AutoIT/AHK pretty easily too.

I think I had two grumbles:
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: zridling on June 25, 2007, 07:57 AM
Couldn't get this to download. Any mirrors?
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: justice on June 25, 2007, 08:54 AM
http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/ultraexplorer/ultraexplorer.html
Looks good, but intimidating for new users.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 25, 2007, 09:21 AM
http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/ultraexplorer/ultraexplorer.html
... intimidating for new users.

- thats why I wrote "after 3 hours". But I have SEVERAL apps installed that have been a lot harder to understand how to use, than this - remember my tag: "IT-analphabetic" - so, because I can use it: everybody can use it. Just do; it is very forgiving.
 ;)
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 25, 2007, 10:42 AM
I have noticed that Explorer's Open with ... also is missing.  :(

I have Open with ... , but it is from some 3'rd party program and is not as good as the Windows standard.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: edbro on June 25, 2007, 11:44 AM
I have noticed that Explorer's Open with ... also is missing.  :(
It is there on my system here at work. UE 1.4.2 on XP SP2. All the standard Windows context menus are there.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: dantheman on June 25, 2007, 05:37 PM
I wonder why i went to PowerDesk Pro and then paid for it?

FreeCommander is a pretty nifty one too!

I use Copernic Desktop Search for file content search.
Otherwise, FARR is the tops in that area!
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 25, 2007, 05:49 PM
I wonder why i went to PowerDesk Pro and then paid for it?

- because you only paid $10 (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=7723.0) ..?   ;)

I know that was my reason!   :D
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: dantheman on June 25, 2007, 07:04 PM
I wonder why i went to PowerDesk Pro and then paid for it?

- because you only paid $10 (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=7723.0) ..?   ;)

I know that was my reason!   :D

Wish it was true Curt.
But no, i tried the freeware then decided to go for the Pro version and (ugh!) did this before reading up on other available options here at DC. Mind you, i like the program but with so many others which are quicker to start up and practically loaded (if not more) with just about the same tasks, i have some regrets.    :(
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: urlwolf on June 27, 2007, 03:17 AM
I'm still impressed :)

The only problem I see switching from Dopus to UE is that Jim, the developer, doesn't consider this his main product;I mailed him 2 days ago, with kudos and a feature request, and never heard back from him yet.

I think this is the best file management solution available to date.

To the guys who do TC... which plugins are recommended? I want source code highlighting for example...

It's a pity that there is no forum for this program.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 27, 2007, 08:03 AM
No forum, alas, but remember to check out the Help section:
http://wiki.mustangpeak.net/index.php?title=Help_for_UltraExplorer

--

I am also missing right-click undo
 :tellme:
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: steeladept on June 28, 2007, 07:01 PM
Okay Curt, maybe I just didn't figure it out yet, but do you know of any way to make UltraExplorer a multipane environment.  I know there are several out there that do dualpane, but I can't seem to find any good, stable software out there that does multipane.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 28, 2007, 07:08 PM
Sorry; I don't even care for dualpane, less multi.
Edit: Sorry (again) I said that the wrong way
I use multipane: mtexplorer
http://www.mtexplorer.com/
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: steeladept on June 28, 2007, 07:22 PM
Yeah, that is the one I liked the idea of, but wasn't stable on my system for some reason...It kept shutting down when I would try to move files.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Perry Mowbray on June 28, 2007, 11:28 PM
Okay Curt, maybe I just didn't figure it out yet, but do you know of any way to make UltraExplorer a multipane environment.

Do you mean Open New Tab? From memory, I could open as many Tabs as I wanted? Or have I missed something?
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 29, 2007, 08:25 AM
My mtExplorer is version 1.1 - from after Aug 13, 2006; it hasn't crashed on me, though, as you tried to, I use it exactly for moving files or folders.

I take it you meant multiPANE, not multiTABs?
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: tomos on June 29, 2007, 09:11 AM
Okay Curt, maybe I just didn't figure it out yet, but do you know of any way to make UltraExplorer a multipane environment.

Do you mean Open New Tab? From memory, I could open as many Tabs as I wanted? Or have I missed something?
-Perry Mowbray (June 28, 2007, 11:28 PM)

or do they not mean like dual-pane, like Total Commander style ?
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 29, 2007, 10:02 AM
I was quite certain it was not dual pane but several more panes
 :tellme:
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Armando on June 29, 2007, 12:24 PM
I installed Ultra Explorer 2 week ago and... was impressed too.

BUT... The only problem is that it crashes very often on my PC (and I lost my configuration each time it did).

Anybody experienced crashes?
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 29, 2007, 12:38 PM
Yes, I had some crashes the first day, but they left for good when I changed the settings. You may have to look into the Options and try your way around, because Ultra is not that clever and will not tell you if you have made a bad setting.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: steeladept on June 29, 2007, 03:32 PM
Do you mean Open New Tab? From memory, I could open as many Tabs as I wanted? Or have I missed something?
-Perry Mowbray (June 28, 2007, 11:28 PM)

or do they not mean like dual-pane, like Total Commander style ?
To answer a few questions -

No, not in tabs, I mean multiple panes, like mtexplorer.  Like Curt said, it is somewhat similar to dual-pane (Total Commander, Norton Commander, Free Commander, et. al.), but with more panes.  Actually mtexplorer allows as many as you would like.  It starts as 4 panes, but I configured it to 6 just to see if it would.  It did, however when I started using it, instead of just configuring it, it would lock up then shut down.  I changed the configuration back to default and had the same issues.  I love the idea and it did exactly what I wanted, but it had problems on my system.  The only thing I would have liked to add is a tree-view as well, but that is minor and (in fact) may even have been possible.  When I had issues, I didn't really continue to find out.  I am looking for something like that but without the issues I had.

This really made me realize how much mtexplorer is exactly what I was looking for, and maybe I should try to contact the developer  :-\  Thanks for helping me realize this... :P
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: urlwolf on June 29, 2007, 04:13 PM
I'm testing TC right now.
I think this is THE hardcore file manager.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Darwin on June 30, 2007, 12:13 AM
Not free, and I don't know how useful/useable/stable it is, but I *think* AccelMan (http://www.flexigensoft.com/accelman) has the potential to provide a multipane "experience"... I used it for a while after the giveawayoftheday (http://www.giveawayoftheday.com) well, er, giveaway, and was marginally impressed (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=8213.0), though not enough to switch from my beloved DOpus (http://www.gpsoft.com.au) :-*
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: lanux128 on June 30, 2007, 03:11 AM
steeladept: i had the same problems with mtExplorer and also that it wouldn't "remember" the last used folders. i e-mailed the author but hadn't received any replies.. do let me know if you had better luck.. :up:
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 30, 2007, 05:20 AM
mtExplorer will only remember last used folder if the folder's address was not too "deep". Otherwise it will go back to the directory. This is my mtExplorer opening window:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Notice in "Billedmappe" (subfolder to My Images) that it will even remember where in this folder I was.
"Papirkurv" is the basket.

mtExplorer (http://www.mtexplorer.com/) has not crashed on me.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: lanux128 on June 30, 2007, 05:29 AM
after i reading this thread, i tried it once again and just noticed that at times it can remember but only 4 of the 6 panes but places it randomly.. so i guess one must be lucky with this program.. :)
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 30, 2007, 06:43 AM
*lucky* - wow; I like the sound of that rare word!  :)

-

Sad to hear about the troubles some are having with this program.  :(
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on June 30, 2007, 10:46 AM
I ... was forced to look for a temporary replacement for Explorer, ...

- not too precise formulated. I could have used Power Desk 6 Pro, or Aron's Explorer, because I have both of them installed. Whats that; never heard of Aron's Explorer? I can't blame you; I found it by accident. I don't think the program is a joke, but the price certainly can be taken for such: $30

You might think that $30 is a quite normal price for certain types of programs, and maybe the author of Aron had the same thought. Never the less, I bought the program for $3 (THREE dollar) at Bits du Jour and is happy with it - I realize I would never have looked at it, at $30.

Aron's Explorer (http://www.surfwarelabs.com/products/AaronsExplorer.html) is what some people refer to as a minimalistic program, made for half blind IT-analphabetics - and maybe that is just why I like it; back to basics! I use it because one can add favorite folders, so I have it to show all of the start menu for both user and all users - one folder per tab. Not even mtExplorer can show that many folders.

There is no trial, only 30 days money back, so only a few will ever install this program.

Here is my version:

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Here is the same with size 20
- guess you don't have to click the thumb to read the text!

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

http://www.surfwarelabs.com/products/AaronsExplorer.html
Features:

Tabbed Interface

Changeable fonts... make them as large as you like

Full file explorer capabilities similar to 'details' mode

Favorites, allows instant access to favorite directories

Incredibly easy-to-use interface

Browse back feature

Copy file names to clipboard feature
-surfwarelabs
http://www.surfwarelabs.com/products/AaronsExplorer.html
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: twinkler on July 11, 2007, 01:51 PM
It's a pity that there is no forum for this program.

Here's the UltraExplorer forum:
http://www.mustangpeak.net/phpBB2/index.php?c=6
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: JimKueneman on July 12, 2007, 11:20 PM
"The only problem I see switching from Dopus to UE is that Jim, the developer, doesn't consider this his main product;I mailed him 2 days ago, with kudos and a feature request, and never heard back from him yet."

Thanks for the kudos.  I get so many emails and questions on the message forum I can't answer them all.  If the request is simple I will do it quickly.  If I don't reply it is because it would take more time then I have.  I am trying to get it stable so simple changes now I will do, more complicated I want to wait till I am satisfied with the stability (measured in bug reports I get).

This is just a hobby for me so my time is limited.

Jim
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on July 13, 2007, 04:12 AM
Thanks, Jim, for taking your time to join up and post!  :up:
- very nice hobby, you have; may you be blessed with even more time!   ;)
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: JimKueneman on July 13, 2007, 08:07 AM
With two young daughters growing up I fear the opposite will be true.  ;)

Jim
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: dalchina on August 30, 2007, 09:03 PM
I liked this.. but
- right click on empty space in a pane crashed it consistently. Jim did reply asking for more info. I tried disabling all context menu extensions- didn't help.
- easy to get 'bug report' prompts.

After trying several, have adopted DOpus.

David L

Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: paulobrabo on September 25, 2007, 08:08 AM
I find UE both pretty and stable but what - no file search? Now that is a deal breaker.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on September 25, 2007, 08:35 AM
... that is a deal breaker.

What deal? Ultra Explorer is FREE.

But of course you are welcome to donate and encourage him to keep working!
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: dantheman on September 25, 2007, 09:55 AM
I installed Ultra Explorer 2 week ago and... was impressed too.

BUT... The only problem is that it crashes very often on my PC (and I lost my configuration each time it did).

Anybody experienced crashes?

I was just about to write that. Yes, it crashed the very day i installed it and tried to save a folder as default. Not a good first impression.
PowerDesk Pro has become my default. Although my preference above others, even it has it's own glitches every once in a while, so i end up going back to Windows Explorer in certain situations.

With regards to a recent post. Can we hope that FARR will have a better file search, not only than UltraExplorer etc. etc. but even better than CopernicDS or Google's?   :-*
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: TomColvin on September 30, 2007, 11:23 AM
I've been using ExplorerPlus for several years.  For those seeking various panel configurations -- Explorer, Dual Horizonal, Dual Vertical, Commander & Photo -- all are available here at a single click.

I bought the program from Novatix, but apparently it has dropped the product.  I'd guess it's available elsewhere, but registration might be a problem.

Tom
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: v941726 on November 02, 2007, 08:24 PM
Check it out!: :Thmbsup:

DITTO!!!


edit by jgpaiva: fixing quote tag
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: kartal on March 31, 2008, 10:54 AM
There is new beta version of upcoming release

http://www.mustangpeak.net/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=19&sid=9105f661741ca8842904d3bd600c87c9
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Nxqd3051990 on April 01, 2008, 12:17 AM
I really love UltraExplorer cause its' column view  - Mac like
But it crashs very often on my computer ( NO SETTINGS CHANGED )
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on April 01, 2008, 10:48 AM
There is new beta version (http://www.mustangpeak.net/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=19&sid=9105f661741ca8842904d3bd600c87c9) of upcoming release

- and another new version now with the suffix "a", 2.0.0.0 Beta 1a (Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 2:57 am)

...it crashs very often on my computer ( NO SETTINGS CHANGED )

- so take a chance and change the settings!  ;)
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: kartal on April 01, 2008, 11:39 AM
Ultra explorer is such a nicely optimized and organized explorer replacement. It has drop box, history,column view etc that are not available in free other replacements.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: muntealb on April 01, 2008, 12:27 PM
Ultra Explorer is fully Unicode compatible, which is a very useful feature for many non-english users that want to use file names in their own language. The file managers that are fully Unicode compatible at this time are no more than 4 or 5.
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on April 01, 2008, 06:23 PM
Oh, yes, Ultra Explorer is now with Search!  :up:
- set hotkey in Tools > Customize > Shortcuts


[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Anklebuster on November 28, 2008, 06:51 AM
Oh, yes, Ultra Explorer is now with Search!  :up:
- set hotkey in Tools > Customize > Shortcuts

 (see attachment in previous post (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=8989.msg108303#msg108303))

Thanks Curt!
It's little tips like these that keep me from actively pursuing a replacement for UE. Every time I search for "Better than UltraExplorer", nothing interesting comes up :)

Cheers,

Mitch

Title: Re: Ultra Explorer; I am impressed!
Post by: Curt on November 28, 2008, 01:58 PM
 :)