What's your preferred File Manager

[Darwin]

Just to note: DonL is busy working on XYPlorer 8, which will feature, amongst other things dual pane 

-Darwin (March 05, 2009, 08:45 AM)

It's getting chilly here in Hell...

-Lashiec (March 05, 2009, 09:25 AM)

sometime I'm slow, I am intelligent FWIW but sometimes slow
let's see, "Hell" could be life without dual pane? ... but it's getting cold there ...

reminds me of a postcard I bought once with two sillhouette devils drinking cocktails set against a very decorative brightly coloured wallpaper.
The caption at the bottom went "We're in Hell, it's great, there's even a disco!"
but hey ... watch out: it's getting cold there

-tomos (March 06, 2009, 03:56 AM)

Just to be completely clear - I think that in the past Don has either explicitly stated or his statements have been interpreted as indicating that it "Will be a frosty Friday in Hell before xyplorer gets dual pane". That was my read on the original comment anyway... I know Don wasn't overly interested in adding dual pane support for a long time but have no idea if he ever said, or implied, the frosty Friday in Hell bit... 

[Shades]

Time to add a new one on the list of available explorer alternatives:
FlexTk   -  It comes in several flavors, one of them being free.

Seems to be really alternative when I look at the GUI pictures from the 110 page manual (PDF), which mentions also some interesting concepts of file management.

Outtake from the manual about the functionality in the software:

FlexTk is an advanced file management toolkit allowing one to search and classify files, scan file systems and apply rule-based, file organizing or data migration policies, synchronize files and directories, analyze storage utilization, copy large amounts of files in a fault-tolerant way, identify duplicate files and free-up wasted storage space. All file management operations are
available through a centralized and easy-to-use GUI application with a built-in file navigator
allowing one to execute any required command in a single mouse click.

or way more extensively:

Spoiler

1.1 File Classification and Organizing
The FlexTk file management toolkit is capable of scanning disks, network shares and enterprise storage systems, classifying all the existing files and organizing them into a categorized file hierarchy. FlexTk automatically recognizes more than 2000 file types and allows one to browse or export the categorized file hierarchy, perform various actions on specific files or file groups and physically reorganize existing files according to a user-defined list of rules and policies. The FlexTk’s built-in Hierarchical Storage Management (HSM) engine allows one to define multiple HSM policies and apply them simultaneously during a single pass through one or more file systems.

1.2 Advanced, Rule-Based File Search
FlexTk provides powerful and flexible file search capabilities allowing one to search files using multiple search criteria including the file name, file type, file size, access/modification/creation times, text or binary patterns, etc. The user is provided with the ability to define composite search queries using multiple search rules and apply the AND/OR logical operators. Frequently used search queries may be saved  in  the predefined search  list  and executed  in a single
mouse click.

1.3 Multi-Stream File Synchronization
The FlexTk file management toolkit provides advanced file synchronization capabilities allowing one to synchronize files between directories, local disks and network shares. The FlexTk’s built-in file synchronization engine offers numerous one-way and two-way file synchronization modes, rule-based file matching capabilities and advanced performance tuning options. Frequently used file synchronization operations may be pre-configured as user-defined commands and executed in a single mouse click. Moreover, FlexTk allows one to create desktop shortcuts for user-defined file synchronization commands and execute them directly from the Windows desktop without the need to start the main FlexTk GUI application.

1.4 Real-Time Disk Monitor
FlexTk Ultimate includes a built-in disk monitor capable of detecting file creations, modifications, attribute changes and deletions in real-time. The real-time disk monitor provides the user with the ability to monitor one or more disks, directories or network shares and detect all changes made in the monitored file systems. In addition, the user is provided with the ability to specify conditional real-time actions capable of executing FlexTk’s user-defined commands, custom commands,  scripts or batch files.

1.5 File Copy and Data Migration
The FlexTk file management toolkit provides a large number of advanced multi-stream file copy and rule-based data migration capabilities allowing one to copy vast amounts of files fast, efficiently and reliably. FlexTk allows one to copy files  including access control lists (ACLs), security attributes, ownership information, timestamps and file attributes.
The user is provided with a large number of flexible copy performance tuning and fault tolerance options allowing one to copy data at various speeds, recover failed copy operations and minimize the potential impact on running production systems. The data migration engine is especially optimized for modern hardware platforms and capable of effectively  utilizing powerful RAID controllers, multi-CPU/multi-core servers and Gigabit Ethernet networks.

1.6 Storage Utilization Analysis
Overtime, disks on home computers and enterprise storage systems collect outdated files wasting storage space and making it difficult to find the required information. The FlexTk file management toolkit provides advanced storage utilization analysis capabilities allowing one to analyze one or more local disks or network shares, identify abnormal storage utilization
patterns and automatically execute (FlexTk Ultimate Only) user-defined actions. In addition, the user is provided with the ability to browse files and directories sorted by the used storage space, identify disk utilization hotspots and export storage utilization reports into a number of standard formats such as HTML, Excel CSV and ASCII text.

1.7 Duplicate Files Finder
FlexTk’s built-in duplicate files finder provides a large number of advanced features and capabilities allowing one to identify and cleanup duplicate files on personal computers and enterprise storage systems. In addition, ower users and IT professionals are provided with policy-based duplicate files detection and removal capabilities (FlexTk Ultimate only) allowing one to define custom duplicate files detection and removal commands and execute them in a fully unattended, automatic mode.

1.8 User-Defined Commands
The FlexTk file management toolkit is a powerful and flexible product providing a large number of features, capabilities and configuration options allowing one to perform many different file and storage management operations. In order to simplify  management and execution of frequently used operations, FlexTk provides the user with the ability to add user-defined
commands. All major product features such as file search, classification, organizing, synchronization, copy, move, delete,  storage utilization analysis, duplicate files search and disk monitoring may be added as user-defined commands and pre-configured for user-specific needs and custom hardware configurations.

1.9 Built-In Disk Cleaner
All Internet browsers and many popular online applications are using the local hard disk to cache web pages, images and video files. Information from visited web sites is stored in your Internet  browser's ache, wasting your storage space and  compromising your  privacy. In general, it is a good practice to cleanup your hard disk once a month. The FlexTk file
management toolkit includes a built-in disk cleaner allowing one to cleanup the disk and reclaim wasted storage space.

1.10 File Management and Navigation
The FlexTk file management toolkit is integrated around a unique file navigator providing advanced file system navigation capabilities, location bookmarks and file filters. The FlexTk' built-in file navigator allows one to execute any required operation in a single mouse click.

[rgdot]

I think its been mentioned but is still a relative unknown. I really like Ac Browser Plus especially how well it handles archives or at least zip files.

[kartal]

I do not think that is being developed anymore.

I think its been mentioned but is still a relative unknown. I really like Ac Browser Plus especially how well it handles archives or at least zip files.

-rgdot (March 07, 2009, 05:07 PM)

[gorinw13]

xplorer2.

[Lutz_]

....  and the breadcrumb navigation in AC Browser Plus is just perfect - this is the way it should be !!!   
Unfortunately I can not deal with the multiple overlapping windows in ACBP too well.
www.konradp.com/products/acbplus/

I think its been mentioned but is still a relative unknown. I really like Ac Browser Plus especially how well it handles archives or at least zip files.

-rgdot (March 07, 2009, 05:07 PM)

[BinderDundat]

If you like AC Browser plus, you might be interested in the option to alter the menu entries to suit your habits/taste better.  You can go to the subfolder: International\English\translation.ini.  Open that file in a text editor and you can change the menu entry text.  There are still a couple of items that cannot be edited in this way, but I found the odd English of the original menus a bit annoying.  This is where you would create a translation file for an unsupported language if you were so inclined - some details are in the file header.  I like some of the tools for file management, but the shortage of ways to invoke external editing software is a drag.  I found the lack of hotkey customizability not to my taste, so I was taken with the ability of Free Commander to make whatever hotkey you like work for the operation of your choice.  Free Commander also allows you to use the built-in viewers or invoke an external viewer like Universal Viewer (a Total Commander connected program - uses several TC plugins).  You can also specify programs to open a user-defined list of file types for editing (F4 key - or whatever hotkey you want to use).  Free Commander also has a portable version, but one warning, the .ini file is not the same as the non-portable format, so you have to enter your customizations separately for each - you cannot just copy the .ini file to transfer settings.  I am a keyboard fan and with the navigation keys definable to keys that make sense to me, I am in 7th heaven!

[Lutz_]

hi BinderDundat,

thanks for the tips.  But the one thing, that is missing from AC browser Plus (which leads me to use it rarely) is a dual-pane layout (preferably a tabbed dual pane option).  The problem for me are the multiple independent overlapping windows.  With dual-pane I actually believe it might be the best file organizer.

[tomos]

....  and the breadcrumb navigation in AC Browser Plus is just perfect - this is the way it should be !!!   

-Lutz_ (March 28, 2009, 12:09 PM)

curious how that is

[cmpm]

The tabs are on the bottom of AC and use the Window dropdown to tile the open windows -2- vertically or horizontically. So you don't have to manually resize the windows.

I have breadcrumbs, but it doesn't appear in AC.

[cmpm]

or more then 2 panes, as many as you want i reckon

[Lutz_]

Hope you are having fun with  your breadcrumbs.

The AC Browser Plus solution is very  neat, because it allows to navigate almost the entire file system intuitively directly from the "address" bar.


I am aware of the tabs in ACBP whose locations unfortunately do not have any relation to the location of the file manger windows to which they belong. The window management in ACBP has the disadvantage that every new window overlaps old ones and each window has its own header, footer and title bars (to the side) taking up way too much room. It lacks the clean, predictable and efficient organization of a tabbed dual pane setup.
Unfortunately the, certainly brilliant, author of ACBP does not seem develop it anymore or are there any news regarding ACBP?

[Ehtyar]

Just a quick update for Double Commander which has been mentioned a few times in this thread. It actually is under active development, with a 0.4 beta released in February, and nightly development snapshots available here. Double Commander is available for Linux and Windows, and is a relatively faithful TC-like file manager written in Free Pascal with a Qt/Lazarus UI.

Ehtyar.

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the Double Commander info. 

Here are some solid and close to "absolutely free" (even for business or corporate users or your own dozen puters).  Although they may like a donation, they are not crippled or nagware and are mostly dual-pane or more file managers - most under current support/development/forum/discussion. 

For this usage you do not need the extra beauty and complexity of Total Commander or Dopus anyway (although you may have those in your arsenal as well) virtually everybody struggles with Explorer and needs an upgrade.

And thus the portable aspect is less important, something good should be on every puter . There are tons of features not discussed here, just an overview list of the almost absolutely freebies.

They are listed in a cursory top-down interest fashion, with the top three (one open source) worthy of extra-special interest, and the next six all have interesting aspects, three are open source.

Note: I am not checking each of these programs extensively, so please do not consider all as fully reliable without additional checking.

=================================================

THREE HUM-DINGERS (or potentially)

Free Commander - Marek Jasinski (Tabs, Configurable)
http://www.freecommander.com/
Forum
http://www.forum.freecommander.com/
"free of charge for private and professional purposes"

Q-Dir
http://www.softwareo...seite=Freeware/Q-Dir
Freeware Genius
http://www.freewareg...-program-that-could/
"suitable as a direct replacement for windows explorer "

Double Commander - Open Source - Windows and Linux
http://doublecmd.sourceforge.net/
Forum
http://doublecmd.sourceforge.net/forum/
"inspired by Total Commander and features some new ideas."
Likely the most developed of the multi-platforms
Roadmap shows pluses, including TC plugins, and needs.
http://doublecmd.sou...ite/eng/roadmap.html

===================================================

muCommander - Windows/Mac/Linux
http://www.mucommander.com/
Lifehacker
http://lifehacker.co...ine-with-mucommander
Forums
http://www.mucommander.com/forums/
Free Software (GPL) - (Java- Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, BSD, Solaris...)
Java application may be sub-optimal speedwise for a file manager.

Nomad.net - Open Source
http://www.nomad-net.info/about
FileForum reviews are helpful
http://fileforum.bet...omadNET/1205541909/1
.net views differ widely, a review here would be welcome !

SurF File Manager - Open Source
http://surf.svprogramming.net/
Not dual-pane, active development, may have some good features.

SE-Explorer - Free portable file manager for Windows (Russia per Snapfiles)
http://www.se-soft.com/Explorer.aspx
.Net 2.0 needed -- Version: 0.0.27.531 Release Date: 16 March 2009
Helpful FileForum comments
http://fileforum.bet...xplorer/1215802773/1
Lack of developer info is a negative, three softwares listed, all the last few months.

Commander - Michael Vinther (March, 2008)
http://meesoft.logicnet.dk/Commander/
"If you like this software then please support my work and the future development of the program"
Forum
http://meesoft.logic...t/viewforum.php?id=6

Explorer++
http://www.explorerplusplus.com/
Forum
http://www.explorerplusplus.com/forum
So those in the office who absolutely must have an Windows Explorer lookalike, with more functionality, are not left out.

TabbyFile (2007)
http://www.tabbyware.com/node/10
Forum (very light)
http://www.tabbyware.com/forum/2
Popular in portable apps

=============================

This next group is more or less dormant, Gyula's and UE and AC Browser may do more development.

UltraExplorer (12/2007 - other software there more recent)
http://www.mustangpe...t/ultraexplorer.html
"UltraExplorer is the testbed for Mustangpeak Delphi and CBuilder Components.It is designed to be the ultimate File Manager for Microsoft Windows."
Receives some nice positive DC references.
Clif Notes Newsletter
https://freewarewiki...otesNewsletter080601

AC Browser Plus (May, 2007) - Konrad Papala (Poland)
http://www.konradp.c...bplus/free_index.htm
Discussions on p. 13 & 14 of thread
"The only difference is that the free version can't have more than 3 browse windows opened at a time."

Accelman - Flexigensoft (Version: 3.5 - 2007-04-21) 
http://www.flexigensoft.com/accelman
Lifehacker
http://lifehacker.co...with-robust-features
GiveawayoftheDay (2007) - with their edgy comments back-and-forth
http://www.giveawayo...m/accelman/#comments

Gyula's Navigator (commercial use: $20 for 5 licenses, close enuf to free)
http://www.wanari.co...ynav/Index.jsp?isNS=
Email Forum
http://tech.groups.y...oo.com/group/winnav/
User's tend to like. - Tekzel comment on DC.
https://www.donation...?topic=5372.msg39845

A43 (2007)
http://www.primitus.us/a43/

Bon Commander
http://boncmd.php5.cz/
"absolutely free software"

Pablo Commander (2004 last updates, active with others softwares and forum)
http://www.pablosoft...pablo_commander.html
Snapfiles
http://www.snapfiles...Pablo-Commander.html

File Matrix (3/2008)
http://www.gardenero...filematrix/index.htm
"The development of this program has been frozen"

ExplorerXP (2005)
http://www.explorerxp.com/
Forum (last activity 2007)
http://www.explorerxp.com/phpBB2/

Turbo Navigator - "Last Freeware Version"
http://www.321downlo...tFreeware/page6.html
Current Status uncertain

File Commander 5 (2007)
http://www.godlikeso...oducts&product=2

===================================================

LESSER-VERSION-WARE

Last freeware versions of active (or semi-active - PowerDesk). 
Although a couple of reviewers consider the earlier Servant Sal as greater-ware. Note the difference where, e.g. xplorer2 and servant sal encourages their download, XYplorer considers it as ancient history.

Servant Salamander 1.52 (Czech) (may go back to 1998)
http://www.altap.cz/...lam_en/freeware.html
Last Freeware Program
http://www.321downlo...Freeware/page29.html
Forum
http://forum.altap.cz/
A well-liked program, chart shows how features surpassed by current commercial program.
Gizmo Comment
http://aroundcny.com...texts/giz103101.html
"Version 1.52 of Servant Salamander, which wins the doctor's "Worst Name for a Good Product" Award, is completely free. ) Version 2.0 is not free, and it's also not as good as version 1.52. (Yes, the doctor agrees that it's a crazy world.) ... Servant Sal is a great file manager whether you make use of the CD-copying feature or not. The doc uses Sal all the time he is at his Windows PC, and even has a few interesting tricks he does with Sal.

xplorer² — free version
http://zabkat.com/x2lite.htm
Feature comparison table.  Not for commercial use. Unsupported but with active forum.
http://netez.com/bbs...540a2fc45c0ce2fe90f4
Lifehacker
http://lifehacker.co...-xplorer2-258730.php

XYplorer 5.50.0001 - Last Freeware Version (2006)
http://www.321downlo...Freeware/page22.html
"XYplorer Freeware Edition (aka XYplorerFree) has been discontinued "
http://www.xyplorer.com/free.php
The commerical XYplorer has a lot of fans, earlier freeware product is now discouraged.
Multi-tab, not dual pane.

PowerDesk Free (2006)
http://www.snapfiles...rdesk/powerdesk.html
Good explanation of history in Karma-D Snapfile comment.

===================

A couple of these now get a bit spacey and unusual, more for techie and fun play.  Development status varies.

Unreal Commander v0.95 - 01/2009 - Russia
http://x-diesel.com/
(recommended as best keyboard-user freeware below by Fenix)
"With TC's plugins support"
Has good page showing translators around the world and has dumbo "awards" page.

Cubic Explorer
http://www.cubicreal...xplorer/screenshots/

Zirpher (formerly File Surfer)
http://www.zirpher.com/

Nexus File
http://www.xiles.net/

Waztree
http://home.comcast....roducts/waztree2.htm

Without trials and more comments it is hard to say if these will also double in a simpler ultra-practical mode.

===========================

My sense is that if you wanted to replace Explorer on a bunch of puters, and keep it fairly simple for other people yet give them real dual-pane capability with much stronger functionality, the main competitors would be FreeCommander, Q-Dir, UltraExplorer. Q-Dir may have to be tamed from its 4-pane mode (although Freeware Genius puts it as a fine direct Explorer replacement). I don't think it was mentioned in this thread, it is the one that I plan to give a spin shortly (I use Free Commander normally, and Total Commander.) Double Commander is the likely next trial after Q-Dir.

(And the next post, quite informed, bumps Unreal Commander into this prime-time mix.)

=============================================

Oh, one last point.  The main commercial alternative for many budget-conscious small businesses will be Total Commander - a 10-user license (10 users at any one time is the concept, install can be on more puters) runs a smidgen over $200.  Clearly it is easier to get a $0 purchase through the bureaucracy than $200, however for many multiuser uses Total Commander must be given a good comparison run. We consider TC robust and strong and flexible and under very active development and support.

Personally, I really think even the everyday non-techie office worker will appreciate any good dual-pane manager (free or commercial) with simple function keys to move and copy. (One reason I did this overview was to really shake out the alternatives.)  TCUP - total commander ultra prime as an add-on I think is free for registered TC users, their website has a hold today so more info would be helpful.

Shalom,
Steven Avery

[fenixproductions]

2Steven Avery
Nice list and I must say: I've tried almost all of them.

Even if I am TC fanatic there was a time I had to use an alternative. There was no TC licences in my previous work and Explorer was to much to handle so... I had to try. After a long time of testing I found out only two file managers good for me there: Free Commander and Unreal Commander. Unfortunately: back these days FC had no FTP support and problems with getting extension in separate column only was pissing me off. That way UC was a winner. With TC's plugins support and nice idea of "copy status bar" it was great for use on daily basis.

So... since then UC is the only app I can honestly recommend for keyboard users as free alternative (although for mouse: Ultra Explorer is the best IMHO). But that is only (and if only) if you don't want to spend your money. In other case go either for TC or Directory Opus

I think DoubleCommander might have a good feature because of multi-platform support (at least it's better to have on Linux than Krusader). Unfortunately, for now it's too early to consider it as decent replacement for other ones mentioned already. It's just too early.

On the other hand, I know that that kind of software does not need to be good looking but, for God's sake, why DC looks so strange? Seriously, why is it wasting so much space by giving overgrown controls? It has potential so, please, do not scare people out

[Ehtyar]

I'm very impressed with Double Commander. It has an excellent feature set and user interface for a cross platform app if you're looking for a dual-pane file manager. Out of curiosity, what is it missing that's important to TC/DOpus users?

Ehtyar.

[fenixproductions]

2Ehtyar
For me DC is definitely slower on files listing and coping. There is no thumbnails view, background transfer and QuickView yet. The rest are the things which are small but annoying for me.

To name a few:
- configuration dialog is about 1000x800px but in most of cases even half of it is not used;
- no ellipsis for files names if they are too long;
- many dialogues are wasting the space (i.e. Change button bar);
- in TC mouse's wheel scrolls entire panel, in DC - focused line is changed only;

There is no point in listing all of these. It is a fresh project after all and many things will change. I hope it will get better from UI side because for now it looks immature.

[cmpm]

That is an impressive list.

AC Browser didn't make it huh....
Some just haven't played with it.
It's pretty customizable imho.
Or they have used it and don't like it.
That's cool.
One thing though,
you can turn off the panel on the left in 'view'.
Or turn off or on most anything....

I like the thing.
I'm sure there are others better though.

http://www.konradp.c...how_app=acbplus_free

[fenixproductions]

2cmpm
It's hard to believe but is having so many windows* opened really comfortable? I know I have 1280x1024 resolution only but even when I've got two panels, it sometimes gives me the feeling of not enough space. Cluttering it more could decrease readability.

*) Judging from screenshot

[cmpm]

Yeah the text is large in that shot.
I can't remember my settings when I shot it.
But these eyes can use larger text in most cases.
Honestly I don't know if text size is changeable.
I'm not sure what my resolution was,
or on which monitor I shot it on.
I use one monitor that 1200 x 1024,
and the other is less so I can drag stuff to it to read it better.

edit- and having two windows open helps with drag and drop
you can just have one window open

I tried Qdir I think its called.
4 windows and small text.

I usually use windows explorer, but if I'm doing tasks,
I'll open AC.

[Ehtyar]

2Ehtyar
For me DC is definitely slower on files listing and coping. There is no thumbnails view, background transfer and QuickView yet. The rest are the things which are small but annoying for me.

To name a few:
- configuration dialog is about 1000x800px but in most of cases even half of it is not used;
- no ellipsis for files names if they are too long;
- many dialogues are wasting the space (i.e. Change button bar);
- in TC mouse's wheel scrolls entire panel, in DC - focused line is changed only;

There is no point in listing all of these. It is a fresh project after all and many things will change. I hope it will get better from UI side because for now it looks immature.

-fenixproductions (April 25, 2009, 09:47 PM)

Two of those are options you haven't found and the bug you mentioned in the beta release configuration panel, is fixed in the snapshots and not present in the stable release. But you are correct there is no elipsis or QuickView.

Ehtyar.

[Steven Avery]

Hi Folks,

Cmpm, good reference, I will add AC Browser Freeware above, my notes only had the paid edition, even though it is discussed right above. Yet as he says "The only difference is that the free version can't have more than 3 browse windows opened at a time" which is a feature that is often not in a file manager. I had recently noted that Konrad Papala has a good-looking scheduler, all his software seems well-done.

Also added:

Accelman, with some very positive reviews, now freeware.

Servant Salamander's last freeware version, available from the Altap site.

xplorer² — free version - from the author site.

PowerDesk Free, for some of us it was the original non-Explorer file manager. 

Pablo Commander

ExplorerXP

And added a note at bottom about pricing Total Commander for commercial purposes for comparison.

Shalom,
Steven Avery

[Innuendo]

Regarding PowerDesk & especially the Karma-D review on SnapFiles referenced by Steven Avery:

The Novatix re-incarnation of PowerDesk that they dubbed Explorer Plus is without a doubt the most desirable version of the PowerDesk siblings. As of the last published version v6.2 it had all of the bugs fixed that were/are in every other iteration of the product.

Unfortunately, Novatix axed the product and last time I checked they were focused on network security products & there's no way to buy the product. If the PowerDesk way of doing things is anyone's 'groove', so to speak then it'd be very advantageous for one to track down a copy of Explorer Plus v6.2.

[Darwin]

If the PowerDesk way of doing things is anyone's 'groove', so to speak then it'd be very advantageous for one to track down a copy of Explorer Plus v6.2.

-Innuendo (April 26, 2009, 11:11 AM)

Download here!

[X_FiLeS]

I have used a few File Managers but I prefer Total Commander which is now called " Total Commander Ultima Prime " and is the easiest to use.