global menu:
OVERVIEW
Limitations: Nearly all of the FM's listed here aren't capable (or currently capable) of reading the huge numbers of files and directories now commonplace on Win9x systems with multi-gigabyte drives. A very few are not cosmetically Y2K compliant (noted in text).
FILE MANAGERS (LFN compatible under Win9x)
FW- (File Wizard) Feature-packed file manager with WIN9x/2000 support.
* * * * * [added 5-17-98 updated 03-12-01]
A polished, dual pane, text mode file manager with pulldown menus and mouse support. Quick, efficient navigation reminiscent of NC. Without doubt, a top pick if you have 386+ PC and enjoy customizing your file manager to suit your specific tastes. After using this program for some time, I'd have to conclude that FW has entered the same league as the best shareware competition.
Some features which distinguish File Wizard:
Notes:
Author: Antony-Denis Gulyas, Hungary (2001). Home Page. Suggested by Lars-Erik Sandberg.
03-12-01: v1.32 (03-01) available. See docs for vers. history.
download fw132.exe (250K)
DOS NAVIGATOR derivatives:
1. NDN- DOS Navigator file manager offshoot with Win9x LFN support, other enhancements.
2. DOS Navigator Open Source (DN OSP)- DN derivative w/ Win9x LFN support, other enhancements.
1. NDN: unrated [added 01-20-00 updated 03-12-01] DOS Navigator is nudged into the Windows-centric world with Necromancer's DOS Navigator (NDN). This offshoot of the classic file manager now includes Win9x LFN support. Based on the RIT source code for DOS Navigator. See the "whatsnew" file for other interesting enhancements (codepages support in editor, encryption, FTP panels under Win9x, etc.). Current betas seem moderately buggy. In English. NDN remains in development. Source available. Author: NDN Team. Russia. (2001) See Home Page for latest betas.
05-20-01: v2.11B (beta) available. (site difficult to access from USA 05-2001 rlg).
Get files from NDN download page
2. DOS Navigator Open Source (DN OSP): unrated [added 01-20-00 updated 03-12-01] The Dos Navigator Open Source Project has released a version of DN which supports Win9x LFN's. Both real and protected mode DOS binaries are distributed, as well as the source. Russia (2001).
03-12-01: v1.6 Release Candidate 1 (03-01) available.
UFO- Norton Commander style file manager; Win9x support.
unrated [added 10-25-98]
A traditional Norton Commander clone ala DC-SK with some twists. Looks impressive- development has ended. Formerly shareware; now freeware (8-98). Authors: DEMCOM, Germany (1998). Home page.
Y2K: Two-digit year displayed correctly; performs sort by date correctly (w/ Y2K compliant hardware/ Caldera DR DOS 7.02)
download ufo964e.exe (423K)
Connect - ("IBM Handshaker") Integrated shell with impressive NC style file manager.
* * * * *...* [added 10-29-98 updated 11-02-00]
Among freeware programs, Connect is truly in a class of its own. CONNECT is not just a file manager- but a multi-component programming environment and general shell. Connect can function as a nearly complete "desktop" environment. It sports a text mode, mouse/ menu-driven, multiple document interface ("Borland interface'). The various components share a common clipboard (even the configuration text boxes have clipboard support).
Connect incorporates several noteworthy units that should interest the non-programmer:
Install note: Unzip with create directories option; modify cn.bat to point to CONNECT directory, adjust default archive and other settings as necessary. Installed files require about 3.5MB.
Tips: Investigate the interface with the mouse- there are many context sensitive areas. Press both left and right mouse buttons when attempting to use drag and drop copy in file manager (and editor). Many file manager setting dialogs (e.g., display options, archive settings) are accessed through a right button pop up menu in file manager (same for the terminal). To view DBF files select a dbf file and invoke the VIEW command.
11-02-00 latest release is v7.5, compiled on 09-23-00. See docs for version history (in Russian)
Author: KHEMZ Inc., Ukraine (2000). Distribution site (latest DOS binaries and source). An OS/2 version is also available here.download cn.zip (1.3MB)
or get it from SAC (not always latest version).
Archive Lister- Multi-panel (incl. FTP panels) file manager; Win9x compatible.
unrated [added 06-14-00]
Archive Lister is an up-to-date and impressive Russian file manager which has been under development since 1994 and now appears to be copyrighted freeware. Difficult to classify this file manager- almost a hybrid of Norton Commander and DOS Navigator. Although the interface is English, the help docs are in Russian and it may require some time to discover its many features (hint: see the hot key list (CTRL-F1)).
Note: v268B00- beta release. Initialization and command input unusually slow/ sluggish on a 386/20. Ran quick on a PII/400. Expect some bugs.
Authors: SotSoft Group, Russia (2000). Home Page.
download AL268B00.ZIP (600K)
PMS- Small program launcher/ file manager with built-in editor.
* * * * [added 1997 updated 11-12-00]
The Path Miser Shell is a mouse compatible text mode launcher/ file manager that can display Win9x long file names. Displays a single left panel directory/file list. Under Win9x, only the current (highlighted) file is displayed as an LFN. A right panel displays system information including memory usage under Windows. While there are some interesting features unique to PMS, it also lacks important features present in most of the dedicated file managers listed here (e.g., extension associations). Requires a 386+ machine. Includes the complete ASM source file. PMS is "begware. " Authors: J. Rebold and H. Flank (2000).
Features:
Limitations:
11-12-00: v2.08 (11-00) available. Editor key shortcuts now Windows-like, Win clipboard support, more...
download pms208.zip (136K, includes source)
GVFM- Polished graphic mode, multi-window file manager, Win9x LFN support.
* * * * [added 05-16-00 updated 05-16-01]
Although intended as a demo application of the author's Graphic Vision application framework utility suite, GVFM is a fully functional file manager still (2001) undergoing development. The author of GVFM wisely didn't attempt yet another SVGA Norton Commander clone (many superb, quick, and memory efficient text-mode varieties already exist); instead, the polished GFVM interface resembles the familiar Windows 3.1 file manager. For instance, GVFM can display multiple dir tree/file list windows. In addition, the directory tree implements folder icons which can be clicked to expand or collapse directory branches. Drag and drop copy/move (and permanent drag delete to trashcan) are also implemented. Several graphic video modes are available (16-256 color). Includes text and bitmap (bmp, jpg) file viewing functions. Memory usage is adjustable. Supports Win9x LFN's when run under Win9x. GVFM currently requires about 1MB disk space. Screenshot, 640X480 mode.
Requires VGA, 386+, 2MB RAM, mouse.
Author: Jason Burgon (2001). Home Page.
05-16-01: v1.30 (04-01) available.
Get the Graphic Vision file manager at the Graphic Vision download page
Tutordo- Good file manager/shell with mouse support.
* * 1/2
Tutordo is a file manager/shell of Italian origin and has joined the ranks of the other comprehensive file managers listed here. Tutordo underwent steady development and improvement through 1997.
Tutordo displays a single directory pane and a status pane. Tutordo is well-suited to mouse users- of unique note are the copy, move, and archive decompress routines which use directory browsing dialogs for file destinations. Copy and move dialogs also permit application of date and time filters. Custom archive compression and decompression options are available from within the packing/ unpacking dialogs. Unlike some of the FM's listed here, Tutordo is capable of copying directories. In general, navigation is quick and painless. This version should not be considered a finished product. EXE size: 140K.
Other nice features:
Limitations:
Major changes in v. 2.3, 10-12-97: New function: merge and split files (ALT+F1). Fixed viewer, sort, screen saver, and other minor bugs. Removed shareware editor from package.
Author: Marcello Vinci, Italy (1997). Tutordo Home Page.download tuteng23.zip English version (385K)
download tutit23.zip Italian version (389K)
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