Thoughts From a Clicker
By Tiny Ruisch
This month at the club’s Windows 10 SIG, a video was shown demonstrating the many improvements Microsoft has made in Windows Explorer. That got me to thinking how much I like the replacement program that I use.
Windows Explorer was first released in Windows 95 as a replacement for File Manager. It is the interface for accessing the Windows file system. Windows Explorer is also the interface that controls many items on the monitor such as the task bar and the desktop. In short, it is a necessary program for operating your Windows computer. Over the years, Windows Explorer has morphed into what is commonly known as Windows File Explorer. Enhancements to the program have included, the task pane, search and image handling, to name just a few.
As in many other facets of Windows, third party developers have released enhancements or replacements to the File Explorer. An internet search will give you listings for hundreds of them. Years ago, I used XYPlorer. This is an excellent program which I liked. It is a paid program which I got for free as a Giveaway of the Day. Since the program didn’t include updates, I decided it was time to move on.
About eight years ago, I started using FreeCommander XE, an easy to use alternative to the Windows File Manager. It has a friendly user interface and can be easily adapted to your individual needs and desires. There are more features than I can use. I’ve disabled many of them, which is another good feature of the program.
One of the main features is the dual pane interface. If you do a lot of file copying or moving, it is easy to drag and drop from one pane to another. With Windows File Explorer, you would have to have another open window.
My favorite feature is the tabbed interface. Instead of having to open a new window for each file location I access, The FreeCommander window lets you open as many tabs as you need. I always have easy access to my most common locations. Tabs can be locked so that you don’t accidentally close them.
There are four optional toolbars. Toolbars can be resized. I haven’t counted the number of toolbar commands available, but there are at least 150. Nearly every toolbar button can be customized by the user. However you handle files, I believe FreeCommander XE will do the job for you.
The last feature I’m going to mention is the favorites menu. Everyone has favorite folders, files and programs that they access often when using the computer. FreeCommander has an excellent favorites folder that can be accessed from anywhere in the program. Remember that there is only one window that ever needs to be opened.
Did I mention the best feature? FreeCommander XE is freeware and can be used free of charge for both private and professional purposes. For those that are interested, the program also has a portable version. Click here for screenshots of the program.
I’ve barely skimmed the features of this software. I think if you try it, you’ll never go back to File Explorer. You can download the program from the FreeCommander XE download page.
Keep on clicking and thanks for reading.