File Managers for DOS

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FILE MANAGERS

NOTES: Most file managers listed below are design variations on the Norton Commander for DOS, a successful commercial file manager/ shell with dual directory pane, text mode display. Some deviate from this standard and display one directory pane and a status pane with disk, file, and/or system information (Directory Freedom, PCValet and Tutordo). Dos Navigator, Connect, FW, UFO, and HFM implement file "drag and drop" for copy, move, and/ or delete actions. DOS Navigator and Connect implement a form of virtual directories (ala XTREE)- they can display files from multiple directories in a single panel and can also open multiple dual-panel windows. Dos Navigator, Connect, DF, FW, UFO, PC, and Tutordo have explicit archive creation commands for packing selected files; many have an archive unpack command. Dos Navigator, Connect, HFM, FW, UFO, and PC read and display popular archives as directories. Some (DOS Navigator, PC, FW, and Connect?) can use XMS memory during copy operations- a potential time saver when transferring large files to/ from floppies. Win9x LFN compatible (untested): Connect, FW, UFO, Tutordo, PMS. I assume some (most) of the FM's listed here won't be suitable for managing multi-gigabyte drives and some are not cosmetically Year 2000 compliant.

Top choices: File Wizard, Connect, DOS Navigator. For older PC's: Directory Freedom, DOS Controller, PC-Valet.


1. DOS Controller - Fast file manager for DOS, Norton Commander clone.

* * * *

DC is a near-clone of the Norton Commander for DOS with a few features omitted and improvements added. DC is preferred over many of the FM's listed here because of its small size (50K) , smart design, speed, and lack of bugs. While not as feature-laden as some of the FM's listed here its simplicity can be a plus for users of older PC's. DC is coded in assembly language- which translates to minimal RAM wastage and quick operation even on under-powered computers. You can use it both as a file manager and as a DOS shell (non memory resident option exists).

While many of the FM's listed here use a command bar, DC also implements pulldown menus for each directory pane- a big plus for mouse users because frequently used commands (e.g., sorting ) can be invoked without wading through a dialog box. The appearance of individual panes is highly customizable (tree view, brief file info, full file info, etc.); you can even hide the panes to get a better look at command-line output. An option also exists to compare directories. DC is mouse compatible, has a very competent built-in editor (loads files as large as available conventional memory), displays a command line, and includes a user configurable program menu and text-mode screen saver. COM size: 50K. Author: Søren Kragh. (1992)

Limitations:

  1. DC has no built-in archive management features but you can associate archive extensions with 3rd party archive managers like AVIEW or AinViewer.
  2. Unlike other FM's listed here, DC doesn't list my CD-ROM or RAM disk in the drive list.
  3. DC can't copy directories.
  4. Documentation is sparse but you won't need it. No Win9x features.

Y2K: Displays correct two-digit year, performs sort by date correctly (w/ Y2K compliant hardware/ Caldera DR DOS 7.02)

download dc-sk.zip

I should mention here a similar shareware program: If you like DC, you'll love Volkov Commander. See ftp://ftp.cdrom.com/pub/sac/utilfile/ (vc*sw.zip ).


2. FW- (File Wizard) Feature-packed file manager with WIN9x support.

* * * * * [added 5-17-98, updated 06-13-99]

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 a few months, I'd have to conclude that FW has entered the same league as the best shareware competition. Author: Gulyas Antal Denes, Hungary. (1999); Suggested by Lars-Erik Sandberg.

A few features which distinguish File Wizard:

Notes:

06-13-99: New in v1.17 (6-99): ...can copy from one compressed file to another compressed file. ....can start any executable file from an archive panel.

download fw117.exe (206K, proprietary setup EXE)


DOS Navigator- Excellent multi-window file manager- now freeware.

* * * * * [added 04-24-99]

Revise description. A great (maybe the best) DOS-only file manager that integrates a v. good editor, spreadsheet, *.dbf viewer, phone book/ dialer, terminal, cd player. DOS Navigator does *not* support Win9x long filenames.

Note: 4-99: this program is now freeware, Source is also available. See the DN resources page.

Author: RIT Research Labs, Russia/ Moldavia. (1999)

download dn151.zip (770K)


3. UFO- Norton Commander style file manager; Win9x support.

unrated [added 10-25-98]

Add description. A traditional Norton Commander clone ala DC with some twists. Looks impressive- development appears to have ended.

Y2K:Two-digit year displayed correctly; performs sort by date correctly (w/ Y2K compliant hardware/ Caldera DR DOS 7.02)

Formerly shareware; now freeware (8-98). Authors: DEMCOM, Germany (1998). Home page.

download ufo964e!.exe (423K)


4. Connect - ("IBM Handshaker") Integrated shell with impressive NC style file manager.

* * * * * [added 10-29-98, updated 06-06-99]

CONNECT is not just a file manager- but a multi-component programming environment and general shell. Includes several noteworthy units that should interest the non-programmer. CONNECT sports a text mode, mouse/ menu-driven, multiple document interface (Borland interface). Movable and sizable directory panels allow you to view as much -or as little- information as desired (even the width of the name column is adjustable). Simultaneously work with several directory windows, edit a document, run the terminal, etc.. One prominent feature (and unique to freeware FM's, I think) is the "unfold subdirectories" option which allows you to display a single virtual directory of files contained in multiple selected directories and their subdirectories (similar to XTREE). Connect displays popular archives as directories, displays file descriptions, and has Win9x LFN support. Includes a good file finder which can search in archives. While the docs and on-line help are Russian, the program interface is English. Author: KHEMZ Inc., Ukraine. Support Page (in Russian), distribution site (latest binaries) (1999)

Other features:

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.

06-06-99 latest release is v7.5, compile 05-30-99. See docs for version history (in Russian)

download cn.zip (SAC, corrupted zip- 06-06-99? [rlg])
or cn.zip (dist. site, Russia)(1.45MB)


5. HFM - Powerful file manager for DOS, with many features.

* * * 1/2

HFM is a dual pane, text mode FM with mouse support. While the interface may be too 'busy' for some, it's a good choice for a DOS file manager. EXE size: 150K

Strengths:

  1. Drag and drop file copy, move, delete, and start.
  2. Popular archive contents (ZIP, LHA, ARJ, and some older formats) displayed as directories.
  3. Unique: Drag and drop actions supported between two archive directories (e.g.,drag file from one archive to another).
  4. Can copy directories.
  5. File associations.
  6. Text file viewer can display huge files.
  7. Automatic directory comparisons.
  8. Includes separate text editor and a calculator.
  9. One undocumented gem of this program is its ability to delete files that DEL can't- e.g., errant files containing space characters.

Limitations:

  1. Somewhat unorthodox design requires time to learn.
  2. Doesn't appear to display internal paths in archives.
  3. Many commands are available only from keyboard (memorize!).
  4. Memory hungry- but can use recursive batch file to launch programs (i.e., highlight program, press CTRL-ENTER).

download hfm404nl.zip (490K)


6. Directory Freedom- Comprehensive dir. utility/ file manager; Small, fast, configurable.

* * * * *

DF is an outstanding 1992 file utility that has recently turned freeware. It has a famous heritage dating back to the PC Mag utilities DR and CO, and their descendant, Directory Control. Because of the number and type of enhancements added to DF, I prefer to classify it with file managers rather than directory utilities. DF displays a vertical directory panel on the left, vertical command panel on the right, and a horizontal status area at the bottom of screen. Suited to mouse or keyboard users. Some file operations (copy/ move/ rename) require typing destination path.

From the docs..."Directory Freedom...originally grew out of a variety of programs which owe their "look and feel" to Michael Mefford's DR and CO utilities in PC Magazine....DF was most directly adapted from Peter Esherick's DC (Directory Control)...Some of the major features are listed below. These are just a sampling but should help give the user of the earlier programs a flavor for how DF has been extended from its original roots.

My notes:

Shareware status: Ex-shareware. Documentation has not been updated to reflect freeware status. The only proof of it's new status is a statement by the author- see the author's web site for more info. Author: Gordon Haff/ Bit Masons Consulting. (1992)

download df461.zip (221K)


7. File Maven- File manager with PC-to-PC file transfer capabilities.

* * * 1/2

File Maven is an easy-to-use dual pane file manager with unique features like PC-to-PC file transfers via serial or parallel cable and Blowfish file encryption. Incorporates pulldown menus, is mouse compatible, and has good archive handling (PKZip, ARJ, LHA). Program size- about 350K with support files. Other distinguishing features:

Ex- Shareware: See the FileMaven home page for additional information.
Author: Kent Briggs. (1997)

download fmav35a.zip (165K)


8. Terminate Commander- Good file manager tuned for use with comm programs.

* * * *

Quick first impressions....

Terminate Commander is a freeware utility for the Terminate communications software package- but it works very well as a stand-alone file manager. The layout of Terminate Commander is somewhat unique and consists of two or three major vertical panes: one system info/function menu pane and one (or two) directory lists with full (or brief) file information. Although I'm a mouse user, I found TC's keyboard navigation to be intuitive. Includes mouse support too, but you can't scroll directory lists with the mouse. A user-defined menu is displayed on the bottom row of the screen. A pop-up command line is available which includes a command history buffer. Includes a good built-in file viewer too. EXE size 151K.

Other features:

Limitations:

Author: Bo Bendtsen / Strathrory System Limited. (1997); Suggested by Robert Bull.

download t-nc-211.zip (108K)
Also see: Terminate home page.


9. Pinco's Commander- Dual pane file manager with fast XMS copy, RAR archive support.

* * * 1/2

Pinco's Commander is a very "fast" dual pane text-mode file manager which gets a high usability rating along with DC. Distinguished by a colorful interface. Lacks the nice pulldown menus found in DC, but easy to navigate with a mouse. Setup and configuration are a snap. Although PC may have too much of an "attitude" for some, I use it frequently because of its fast XMS copying feature. PC is one of the few freeware FM's which reads RAR archives as directories. EXE size: 50K plus 70K auxiliary tools. Author: Enrico Ferro, Italy. (1997 ) Cardware.

Strengths

  1. Can use XMS memory during copy and move operations which really speeds up these operations.
  2. Pinco's Commander can manipulate ZIP ARJ and RAR archives -but not LHA (external archivers required). Displays archives as directories.
  3. Can copy directories.
  4. Floppy disk formatting, disk labeling.
  5. Can swap to XMS/EMS during program execution.
  6. Option to display command line with command history buffer.
  7. File associations- manually added in config. file.
  8. Includes a very fast built-in file viewer (text, raw, or hex display); handles large files.
  9. Basic file finding function with text search, customizable pop-up menu for program launching, customizable colors.
  10. Hint: If you have a three button mouse, the middle mouse button emulates double click.

Limitations

  1. I've noticed that some zip files are not fully readable, i.e., those with internal directory structure (some, not all).
  2. Mouse-scrolling through directories is too "fast"on a fast computer.
  3. Start-up splash screen must be closed by user (see Stuffit for a "cure").
  4. Some may be offended by off-color slang used in some error messages (e.g., drive-not-ready message)
  5. May require a 386 or better PC? ?
  6. Y2K: Does not display "01" for a 2001 dated file (displays "1"), performs sort by date correctly (w/ Y2K compliant hardware/ Caldera DR DOS 7.02)

download pc21eng.zip (134K, English version)

(see home page for Italian and other language versions)


10. Tutordo- Good file manager/shell with mouse support.

* * *

Tutordo is a file manager/shell of Italian origin and has joined the ranks of the other comprehensive file managers listed here. Tutordo has undergone steady development and improvement through 1997. This program gets much use on my 386 laptop.

Tutordo displays a single directory pane and a status pane. Tutordo is well-suited to mouse users- of particular note are the copy, move, and archive decompress routines which use directory browsing dialogs for file destinations- real time savers compared to typing paths. 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:

Weaknesses:

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.

download tuteng23.zip English version (385K)
download tutit23.zip Italian version (389K)


11. PC Valet- Small file manager with built-in file viewer, hex editor, and more.

* * * 1/2

PC Valet is a small, fast, single directory pane file manager/ shell that has not seen wide distribution. I prefer dual panels, but PC Valet has several features that overshadow this basic limitation. The executable and associated files use less than 40K disk space excluding documentation. Features include directory tree display, file extension association, an internal text file viewer, hex viewer, capable hex editor, and a screen saver. Overall, PC Valet is comparable to DC in features and configurability- I prefer the latter simply for its greater ease of navigation and file manipulation. Released in 1993- no WIN9x features. EXE size: 26K + 15K auxiliary tools. Author: John Junod. (1994)

Other features:

Limitations:

download valet.zip (36.7K)


12. PMS (2)- Small program launcher/ file manager with built-in editor.

* * *

The Path Miser Shell is a text mode program launcher/ file manager that can display Win95 long filenames. Displays a single pane directory listing; a right pane 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 (1997).

Features:

Limitations:

download pms203.zip (131K, includes source)


13. Tree86 Lite- Directory tree and file management utility.

* * * 1/2

An older (1990) file manager which remains useful owing to a unique design. Tree86 Lite is a free "Special Edition Trial Version" still distributed by the Aldridge Company, but it is not disabled and contains no nag/ad screens. Tree86 takes a different approach than most file managers. It is designed as a "tree-walking" utility. On start-up Tree86 reads all directories on a given drive and displays a tree of directories. File lists can also be viewed by selecting directories. Because the focus is directories, Tree86 stands out as a good directory-level manager, i.e., make, rename, copy, delete, "cut and paste" single directory actions are supported. The usual file actions are supported together with an XCOPY command. Mouse support with pulldown menus. EXE size= 70K. Author: Aldridge Co. (1990). Suggested by Robert Bull.

Other nice features:

Limitations:

download t86lite.exe (179K, ZIP SFX)


RELATED . . .


DirMatch- Compare directories, with file actions.

* * * *

DirMatch is a dual pane directory comparer that lists the contents of two directories side by side. The F1 key toggles display filtering of all, different, or alike files. File actions allowed include copy, move, delete, copy and delete, and swap. Author: Michael J. Mefford, PCMag. (1992). (Suggested by many)

Syntax: DIRMATCH source target [/D][/A]
/D = Different files
/A = Alike files

Function keys on display: F1 All-Different-Alike F2 Mark all F3 Clear marks F4 Copy F5 Copy & Delete F6 Del F7 Move F8 Swap F9 Print F10 Disk free +/- Mark/Unmark Esc to Exit

Many file managers also offer basic directory comparing functions -see UFO, FW, Connect, HFM, DC, and TC.

download dirmat31.zip (18K)


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