a very good alternative to a full on file manager. some folks here in this thread that are wishing for tabs in the regular Windows Explorer should look into this. tnx Tom! here, available for both 32 and 64 bits, and it is actively being developed: -http://www.explorerplusplus.com/-
Some great tips here. I'm going to look at FreeComannder and Total Commander Ultima Prime. But first I'm going to check out DirOpus. I used it when it was developed for the Amiga OS circa 1992 and I've never found a more intuitive and functional utility.
DOpus is very nice. it is quite expensive but updates are free until the next major update, which happens every 3-4 years. it's the one i use atm. ------------------------- i got a lifetime license for this one. it's very nice. i asked the developer a few weeks ago to have more than 1 line of text showing for a filename in Thumbnail and Large Icons view. it was done a few days after i asked.
Windows Explorer with QTTabBar, not the bloated Windows 8 one. If only Nautilus had better breadcrumbs (don't need CTRL+Tab to switch to text).
using XYplorer as main file manager 'cause it has plenty of features. sometimes use TotalCommander -get used to it since times i didn't know XY, besides it' rather swift and laconic for mass files monotonous operations. thanks for the tip to Explorer++ seems like an interesting development project. will watch over it's progress.
I'm starting to get sold on XYplorer, may take while yet before it replaces explorer but it's a very useful tool
one thing i just been trying out is QTTabBar. it's like a plug-in for Windows Explorer which adds tabs and other extra goodies to Explorer. it has a lot of the advantages of a stand-alone file manager without the inconveniences. and it's open source as well. i really like this. for those who wished Windows Explorer had tabs, this is it! --------------- get it here: http://qttabbar.sourceforge.net/ and here is a little help page for those interested: http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/more-about-qttabbar.htm
just a few pointers: click on the "Clone this" button to get started. right click on the tool bar to get to the Options (there's 3 different spots you can right click on on the toolbars near the top if you experiment) apparently, QTTabBar does work with Windows 8, so it's got a future.
The most important features of a file manager for me are tabs support, simplicity/familiarity and a light footprint. Hence at the moment, my choice would be Explorer++. I've previously used Q-dir. Both of these were set to 'replace' Explorer. Each has it's own pros..it would be great if the 2 sort of "combined"...well, at least for me. I've tried QTTabBar thrice at different times for short periods but it has never worked for me. Most of the other full-fledged file managers I tried either have too many features which I don't need, looks too cluttered for my eyes OR is way too cumbersome or time-consuming for me to set up and get used to it. However, to be honest, I still haven't found that 'perfect' file manager...the problem is I don't really know what I want (apart from the above-mentioned features) and the more I try, the more tired I get searching for one. Urrggh...
and it does not help that there are so many to chose from. it is weird that for a product that is so specialized there would be so much choices. even at a place like Wilders here there does not seem to be that many people using these things.
Bought XYplorer after 2 weeks trial It's light, powerful and very configurable. Thanks for bringing the world of file manager software to me
a43. I used PowerDesk for a long time -- until Avenquest began mucking it up. Switched to ExplorerPlus (same original author, better product) but orphaned at an early age. I've tried most everything mentioned here and not been wowed. I had assumed I would replace ExplorerPlus with Directory Opus, but found it to be the fat, intrusive, mother-in-law of file managers when viewed close up. I like FreeCommander a lot (use it at some point most days) and look forward to the completion of the rewrite now in progress. The directory synchronization feature and zip integration of FreeCommander are particularly well done. My most-used file manager, however, is a43. It isn't perfect, and it's rather homely in appearance, but it's elegant in its simplicity. It has zip integration that doesn't tread on the OS, and simple launch and favorite folders features that are surprisingly handy.
Free tabs for Windows Explorer, as the program is free. Your wish has come true. Windows Tabs: http://www.windowtabs.com/ I only use the above for Windows Explorer and nothing else. In the "setting" menu, in the first menu called "filtering" check the second (middle) option and then add: explorer.exe Walla Tabbed Windows Explorer. Best regards, KOR!
very nice KOR! another good tip is to enable "Automatically group windows from the same process" in the Advanced section. unfortunately, the portable version is broken. you have to use the install version atm.
