File Managers for DOS [page 1 of 2]

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OVERVIEW

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).

Interesting features: Dos Navigator (DN), its derivatives (NDN, DN OSP), and Connect implement a form of virtual directories - they can display files from multiple directories in a single panel (ala XTREE). DN, Connect, Archive Lister, HFM, FW, UFO, and PC read and display popular archives as virtual directories. FW permits many operations in an archive panel (e.g., edit archived files with automatic updating of archive, copy/drag files between archive panels, etc.). FW and DN can group found files in the same panel. DN, Connect, FW, UFO, and HFM implement file "drag and drop" for copy, move, and/ or delete actions. DN, Archive Lister, and CN can open multiple dual-panel windows. DN, Connect, DF, FW, UFO, PC, and Tutordo have explicit archive creation commands for packing selected files; many have an archive unpack command. Some (DN, PC, FW, and Connect?) can use XMS memory during copy operations- a potential time saver especially when transferring large files to/ from floppies. NDN and Archive Lister are the only FMs here which have implemented virtual FTP directory capability (under Win9x only). My personal favorites: FW, Connect, DOS Navigator. For older PC's: Directory Freedom, DC-SK, PC-Valet, Pinco's Commander. WIN9x LFN compatible (under Win9x only, not plain DOS): Connect, NDN, DN-OSP, FW, Archive Lister, UFO, Tutordo, PMS. (Need to add Genesis Commander and Adrenal Manager).

Limitations: I assume some (most) of the FM's listed here won't be suitable for managing multi-gigabyte drives and 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 06-05-00]

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: Antony-Denis Gulyas, Hungary (2000). Home Page. Suggested by Lars-Erik Sandberg.

Some features which distinguish File Wizard:

Notes:

06-05-00: v1.26 (06-00) available. See docs for vers. history.

download fw126.exe (220K)


DOS NAVIGATOR derivatives:

1. NDN- DOS Navigator file manager offshoot with Win9x LFN support, other enhancements.
2. DOS Navigator Open Source (DN OSP)- DOS Navigator file manager offshoot with Win9x LFN support, other enhancements.

1. NDN: unrated [added 01-20-00 updated 05-31-00] 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: Denis Smirnov. Russia. (2000) See Home Page for latest betas. 05-31-00: v2.03 (05-00) pre-release available, now compiled with DPMI, many other enhancements and changes.

2. DOS Navigator Open Source (DN OSP): unrated [added 01-20-00 updated 08-10-00] The Dos Navigator Open Source Project has also released a version of DN which supports Win9x LFN's. Both real and protected mode binaries are distributed, as well as the source. Russia (2000).

08-10-00: v1.51.09 (08-00) available.

For download links see the DOS Navigator Open Source Project.


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 02-08-00]

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.

02-08-00 latest release is v7.5, compiled on 01-27-00. See docs for version history (in Russian)

Author: KHEMZ Inc., Ukraine (2000). Distribution site (latest binaries)

download cn.zip (1.45MB)
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.

* * *

The Path Miser Shell is a mouse compatible text mode launcher/ file manager that can display Win95 long file names. Displays a single left panel directory/file list; in Win9x, only the current (highlighted) file can be displayed as a LFN's. 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 (1997).

Features:

Limitations:

download pms203.zip (131K, includes source)


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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