List of File Explorers for Windows

[hellnoire]

I was requested to do this by one of our members, I'll do one for Linux as well when I get around to playing with my Linux box. I've got to set up Arch completely, and get ready for that move... as it stands right now, I might have two VMs to make.

Anyway, on topic now.

Windows Explorer -

Pros: Standard program, built into Windows

Cons: Unless you're using Windows 7/Vista, nothing special about it. And Windows 7/Vista only offers searching in the top corner, rather then a side pane like XP.

NexusFile -

Pros: Light, fast. Only uses 11mb of ram in use. Fully configurable by text files AND though the interface. Two panes, so it feels like TotalCommander to a sense. Allows for simple FTP functions, compressed files support, splitting and joining files, skins and a lot more. Free. If used with NexusImage, you can also get image support.

Cons: Unless you know that the context menu key and R from Linux is how the Rename function works, you'll end up moving it instead. Takes a bit to get used to the Linux styled menus. (This can be changed in the options, but is the default.)


Q-DIR

Pros: Light (9mb RAM used), allows for up to four panes to work with. Uses standard Windows right-click. Has an interesting collection of icons in the bottom right that allows for you to run files and whatnot. Unlike most of the Explorer replacements, will allow for you to map network drives without switching to the standard Windows Explorer.

Cons: No special skins, and if you want something that offers FTP and/or picture support, you're on your own. Personally, I don't like it but that's because I find it so basic and lacking.


Directory Opus -

Pros: Can launch on startup to make it work faster, does support more advanced FTP functions then NexusFile, offers Compressed File support, as well as a built in picture viewer and audio/visual playback. (Fully featured!) Allows for Windows Default menus. Quick response time, allows for a timer for UAC so you can run and mess around with config files for up to half an hour before you get asked again. Light (8MB RAM used). Has addon support. Dual panes.

Cons: Cost ($90 CND). Replaces ALL of Explorer, so it's slightly more difficult to run things via Control Panel and other System folders.

TotalCommander -

Pros: Dual paned by default, has a lot of features and add-ons. Supports all the way back to Windows 95 (though if you're needing that, you're in your own class).

Cons: Basic by default, but the addons resolve that issue.



Can't think of any other Explorer replacements, will add more as I find them/use them.

[A Guy]

Not used myself, just FYI

[url=http://zabkat.com/x2lite.htm]Xplorer2

[url=http://www.freecommander.com/index.htm]FreeCommander

[url=http://www.explorerplusplus.com/]Explorer++

A Guy

[Murphy]

Hi,

Thank you ''hellnoire'' .

Best regards !

PS.
Unreal Commander

− is freeware file manager for Windows® 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7
August 14, 2010: version 0.96, build 787!

BTW ----> I'll post some screenshots for NexusFile if you do not mind .

UPDATE
NexusFile ----> Deserves to be installed .
















I can choose my favorite archiver.







---------- Post added at 07:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:22 PM ----------

Not used myself, just FYI

.....................

FreeCommander

.......

A Guy

Hi,
Very outdated

Version 2009.02b

Best regards !

[hellnoire]

Not used myself, just FYI

[url=http://zabkat.com/x2lite.htm]Xplorer2

[url=http://www.freecommander.com/index.htm]FreeCommander

[url=http://www.explorerplusplus.com/]Explorer++

A Guy

When I get around to it, I may review them.

[Raymond]

The explorer replacement on Directory Opus looks interesting, since most of the file explorers don't have this feature.
Will check it out, thanks for the lists Paul.

[JayCub]

Thanks for taking the time to add the reviews Paul...

[Bearcat]

Thanks for taking the time to do this Paul! Your effort is appreciated!

[FunkY]

Since i found NC (Norton Commander) for MS-DOS i have use somekind of file manager/explorer also later at Windows. After many developers and tests, Q-Dir have been my favourite already couple of years

Thanks for the review hellnoire

[hellnoire]

The explorer replacement on Directory Opus looks interesting, since most of the file explorers don't have this feature.
Will check it out, thanks for the lists Paul.

I did a review for the blog, I believe. Quite the fully packed software to say the least.

[Murphy]

Hi,
''Directory Opus – Quite Possibility One Of The Best File Managers Out There!''
Best regards !