What is the file manager called? Remote access from any device

Before I talk about the remaining keys on the keyboard, I would like to introduce another important (from my point of view) lesson on file managers. Explain what type of programs they are and their purpose.

First, let's understand the terminology.

Concepts such as “file” and “manager” have long become common nouns. The younger generation does not even suspect that these words are borrowed from in English. And that's okay.

After all, our generation is absolutely calm about such borrowed words as, for example, “shampoo” and “tram”.

But let's get back to our sheep.

File

Term "File" this is the Russian pronunciation of the English word "file", which in the broadest sense of the word means a certain complete set of data (information) that occupy a certain place on external media, but simply on the hard drive.

Once upon a time, in that distant time when programmers in the Soviet Union were called mathematicians, the file was called an “array” or “data array.” I don't think this will clarify anything. But there was something like that.

There were a lot of “interesting things” about this in the Soviet Union. For example, it was forbidden to write “Computer” or “PC” (personal computer) in official documents. Only a computer or PC (personal electronic computer).

So, this logically complete set of data can be:

• system file - information with which the Operating System works
• text file - text editor programs can work with this data
• media file - audio or video. The corresponding programs from these files play music or video.
• image files - pictures and photos various formats, which are opened for viewing by the corresponding programs.
• And so on.

I'll say more. Programs that allow us to edit texts, listen to music, watch photos or movies also consist of a set of files. True, they have a slightly different name - “executable files” and “libraries”.

And the operating system itself is a huge set of files.

Now I looked at the number of files in the operating system on my work computer: 87,108 files and 17,728 folders.

By the way, "Folder" is also a file. Officially it sounds like this:

"special file object, acting as a container for storing other folders or files.”

Summarize. Apart from files, there is nothing else on the hard drive of our computer (what else could there be?).

Manager

The concept of “manager” comes from the English “manager” (management), pronounced in Russian. True, in everyday reality, everyone usually hears more about Sales Manager (salesperson, tradesman) or Office Manager (cleaning lady), but the main meaning of this word is still “management”.

File manager

Thus, we come to the semantic component specialized programs working with files - file managers or "file management programs". That is, the main task of such programs is to make it easier and simpler to work with a large number of files.

The history of file managers

As I wrote in the previous lesson, at the dawn of computerization there were no graphics. All that could be seen on the monitor was a prompt and a lonely blinking cursor with a blinking frequency of 1 Hz.

The cursor was made to blink for two main reasons:

• the cursor indicated the place where the next character would be entered
• blinking meant that the system was still “alive”, i.e. the computer or mainframe has not yet frozen and is in working order

All commands had to be entered manually. Very often, the set of commands in a line to perform a particular operation was a set of tens or hundreds of characters.

The slightest typo, even in one character, resulted in an error. Then we had to enter everything again.

Even when it became possible to “return” previously typed text to the command line with just one cursor control key, it was still necessary to find this incorrectly entered character (typo), correct it and run the typed command for execution.

Agree, the work is not the most rewarding.

It’s good if the user knows perfectly well the location of symbols on the keyboard (letters, numbers and special characters). What if a novice user? But at the beginning of the century of computerization, almost the majority of users were beginners.

But computer thought developed. For changing 8-bit came to computers 16-bit. They allowed us to bypass a lot of limitations inherent in 8_mi bit systems. Additional characters could now be encoded to allow users to more easily manipulate data on their computer.

Thus, “pseudographic” symbols (and not only) appeared, which made it possible to create and facilitate the work of programmers and system administrators. well and ordinary users(at that time they were called “computer operators”) even more so.

Pseudographics- these are not graphic, but text characters(such as letters and special symbols), from which, like cubes, you can create various frames and tables.

Here are examples of these symbols:

And the programmers wrote a program that made working with files easier and significantly increased the speed.

This program was a kind of shell over text interface, which was visually perceived as graphic component, although it was not graphics.

The shell itself was located above the command line, and help with hot keys was below it.

One of the first programs from a series of file managers under the DOS operating system was Norton program Commander (NC).

Even the first versions of the NC program turned out to be “explosive.” Now everything was clear and convenient.

Two panels, on each of which you could separately select drives and folders and perform various operations in them or between them, using functional and special keys on keyboard.

For example, drives A:, B: and C: on the left panel selected by pressing the combination "Alt+F1", A on the right panel combination "Alt+F2".

Storage media in a computer are designated by Latin letters A, B, C, D, E, ... When there was no hard drives, the only storage media were floppy disks. Typically, no more than two floppy drives were installed on a computer. The operating system was loaded from one floppy disk, and the programs with which they worked were loaded from the other. So, the disk drives were given the names A and B. Today no one uses floppy disks anymore. All storage media begin to be named with the letter “C:” (the first hard or logical drives). Well, the letters “A:” and “B:” remained reserved for disk drives.

The frames themselves were “drawn” with pseudographic symbols.

All functionality for working with files was “hardwired” into function keys F1 - F12. For advanced functionality, the “Ctrl” and “Alt” keys were additionally used together with F1 - F12 or with letters. In other words, everything basic commands operating system DOS were "hardwired" into function keys or combinations thereof.

A great achievement was the presence of a built-in text editor, which greatly simplified the work of both programmers and ordinary users. Text editor"called" by a key F4.

To cancel any “wrong action” the key was used (and is still used) "Esc"(I will make a separate lesson about undo keys).

Over time, with the release of new versions, the functionality of the file manager increased. More and more functions made it possible to perform various operations and actions by pressing just a few key combinations.

Programs analogous to the NC file manager began to appear, such as Volkov Commander (VC) and DOS Navigator (DN).

Volkov Commander:

File manager interface DOS Navigator:

By and large, they were practically no different from each other. Except that in each program the hotkeys were reassigned differently. Which was quite inconvenient after you “get used” to one of the managers.

But in any case, each of the managers had their fans.

True, in DOS Navigator it was possible to color in different colors background, folders and files. For example, files text format in one color, image files in another, etc. The result was such a “parrot” that the eyes were dazzled by such a “rainbow”. But many people liked it.

Then came graphical shell for operating room DOS systems under named Windows(windows), which over time grew into a full-fledged operating system with graphical interface, the first of which was Windows 95.

File managers were written not with a pseudo-graphical, but with a graphical interface. Moreover, the functionality of these interfaces has increased significantly.

I will not list all these programs. I will only mention three that I use myself.

Far Manager

This file manager is used mainly by professionals.

Regular users will find it boring and ascetic due to its strict minimalistic interface.

It is popular among professionals due to the reliability of working with data. It is the fastest file manager that works under a graphical shell.

Total Commander

In my opinion, the best file manager today with very wide capabilities. I've been using it for over 10 years. With each new version, functionality is added and improved.

True, it has a small drawback. Officially it is paid. But when has that stopped us? Torrents always have “free versions” for Russian-speaking users. 🙂

Double Commander

This is a cross-platform free file manager. Cross-platform means that this program can be used not only under Windows, but also under Linux and MacOS without any emulators.

Although this program is still in beta, it is quickly gaining popularity.

In this lesson we learned where and how file managers came from and what they are.

In the next lesson, using one of the file managers as an example, I will show you several examples of using these programs. Well, more precisely, why I myself use file managers. After this, I think it will finally become clear to you why these programs are still popular, and the family of file managers continues to develop.

That's all for today. Good luck and creative success to everyone. 🙂

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With respect to all my readers and subscribers

Introduction

Nowadays, more and more interesting and convenient devices and devices for humans are appearing. Some help with implementation different tasks, some, on the contrary, complicate their implementation.

Computers appeared and people began to successfully master and improve them. After this successful invention, more and more useful things began to be created, like PDAs and mobile phones. Also, as they were created, components began to appear, without which the operation of a computer would not be possible. I'm talking about operating systems. Without an operating system, it will not be possible to work with documents or photographs. But to work with it, one operating system is not enough; you need other applications called programs. Programs are divided into several types. These are Antiviruses, Archivers, Office programs, programs for burning discs, programs for working with graphics, as well as video and music, there are also file managers.

File managers are programs that simplify and speed up working with files. They allow you to both create and delete files, edit, copy, move and much more. Next we will describe file managers such as Alt Commander 1.3, Data navigator 0.26, ExplorerXP 1.07, Far manager 1.7, FileSee 6.21, Total Commander 7.02a, Unreal Commander 0.95, XYplorer 7.9 and Frigate 3.

1. AltCommander.

Let's face it - manually managing files on your computer is quite boring and not very convenient.

At first glance, the program is a complete analogue of Total Commander. The only difference is that the utility has a simpler interface and contains only what is really needed to manage files and nothing more. The main window is divided into two parts; at the top there is quick access to disks and FTP. When navigating through catalogs, you can put the mouse aside and carry out all the necessary operations using the keyboard. Through the built-in search, you can search for files either by a template (for example, “.exe”), or search the content for the presence of specific text. It should also be noted that Alt Commander can archive data in ZIP format, group renaming, view images without using third party utilities, as well as their conversion from one format to another, file encryption and " Quick start» (a menu where you can add links to frequently used files).

2.DataNavigator

The main goal in developing this program, it seems to me, was to take all the best that the standard Explorer (Windows Explorer) has and add the functions it lacks.

So, what's new in Data Navigator:

With a couple of mouse clicks you can create a virtual HDD, which will actually disappear after rebooting the computer. A new object has appeared - “Combo folder”. When creating it, you need to specify the contents of several regular folders, which will be displayed in the Combo folder. Added enough powerful tool for renaming files and folders. The name can be changed using two algorithms: Standard, where various file attributes (name, number, folder and some others) act as a mask, and based on the ID3 tag for audio files. Comparison of JPEG files. The result of this operation will be the percentage of similarity between the two images. The standard but redesigned functions include searching, determining the properties of folders and files, and their attributes. Copying, Cutting and Pasting is now done a little differently: first you need to specify the source object and select “Take” from the menu, and then, by going to the desired directory, perform “Copy” or “Move”. This scheme is not much unusual, but, it seems to me, it is more logical. Appearance Data Navigator is almost identical to Windows Explorer, that is, a friendly, but not very functional interface. Color scheme and the icons have been changed to more pleasant ones. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the lack of support for the “drag and drop” mode. It is not entirely clear why the author blocked the “Create Shortcut” menu item. The functions of undoing actions and returning canceled operations do not seem to work either. Quick navigation there is no such option for folders, but this problem is partially solved by the “Favorites” option. It should be noted that Data Navigator is not an add-on for Windows Explorer, but a completely independent product, which means that during installation it will not affect any system files.

It would seem that what could be simpler and more convenient than standard Explorer - a program used in Windows to view files and folders stored on a computer? However, the developer of ExplorerXP has created a program that is much more convenient. At first glance, it seems that the interface has become perhaps a little more sophisticated and complex, but, in fact, the program has several undeniable advantages. Here's what distinguishes it from Explorer: What I've always missed is that now, when viewing content in table view, the sizes of not only files, but also folders are displayed. By the way, the table mode is the only one possible here. No lists, large icons or thumbnails. To some, this, of course, may seem somewhat unaesthetic, but in fact we sacrifice beauty for the sake of convenience.

There can be many folder windows open in the program window, and switching between them is very convenient. Also, these windows can be arranged so that everything is visible at once.

Groups panel. Here you can create links to folders that are important to the user, classifying them into different categories.

Wide range of options for selecting files and folders, including selection by mask. Tools for cutting files into pieces of a specified size, and, accordingly, gluing them together. Assignable hot keys. Ability to rename groups of files or folders using a template.

FAR Manager 1.70 For some, FAR Manager is the only thing possible way working with files, for others - a relic of the past and a terrible reminder of how bad life was when there was no Windows. In fact, both are right. Functionally, FAR Manager does not stand out among its competitors at all. Stable program with an average set of capabilities. That's all, strictly speaking.

But! Stability is not just words, it really is. FAR Manager is one of the most reliable utilities in its class. This is the first big plus; the second huge advantage of FAR Manager is its ease of learning and use. This is achieved through the widespread use of “hot keys” - they are “clogged” for literally all operations, as well as the absence of graphical bells and whistles, in which you simply get lost at first. Full support available FTP protocol. Now about the shortcomings of FAR Manager, and there are many of them. Firstly, this is an ascetic interface; after all, the days of DOS and NC are long gone. And the graphical execution gives great amount capabilities: image viewing, drag’n’drop. There is nothing like that in FAR Manager. In addition, the amount of information that fits in the manager window in no way depends on whether it is expanded to the entire screen or occupies a sixth of it. This happens due to a pseudo-graphical interface: the size of the characters changes in proportion to the length and width of the window. This was the first huge drawback. The second is the single-tasking nature of FAR Manager. Yes Yes. If you suddenly decide to copy from local network some movie or game, then you can calmly go drink coffee or have a smoke: while copying, it is simply impossible to perform any other operations. FAR Manager supports connecting plugins, but even this does not completely eliminate this manager from the above-mentioned shortcomings.

FileSee is both a file manager and a viewer various types files in one bottle. The developers claim support for more than 100 formats, including text and a wide variety of multimedia formats. In some cases, mainly when working with text files, editing them is allowed. The selected file can be displayed in standard form (Normal Mode), as well as in ASCII and HEX modes. In the latter case, it is possible to edit and save the file in hexadecimal format as txt. FileSee has context menu Windows Explorer, which allows you to perform all the standard functions of a file manager. Among its own capabilities, the program contains customizable filters that allow you to display only required types files, built-in search function, FileName manager function, which is simple means to change the name of a file or group of files. It is also worth noting the convenient bookmarking system: files and folders are entered into different lists, which makes navigation somewhat easier. As additional functions The program contains a WAV→MP3 audio converter, the ability to create playlists from mp3, wav, wma, midi or m3u files and then play them in background. The program interface is simple and clear. Window position, file display and others visual elements can be configured for yourself.

The disadvantages of FileSee include the fact that components of third-party products are used to display some types of files. So, to view MS Word or Excel documents you will need MS Office installed on your computer, and to be able to view multimedia files, in most cases it is necessary to have the appropriate codecs installed on the system.

6. Total Commander

TotalCommander - A popular file manager with almost all the functions necessary for such programs. I found the built-in multimedia viewers and graphic files, ZIP unpackers, ARJ, LZH, RAR, UC2, TAR, GZ, CAB, ACE and additional dlls for others archive files; the built-in ftp client is simply lovely: you can download/upload files in several streams, there is resuming, support for www-proxy when working with ftp, and there is even such a function as connect-download-disconnect in specified time to a given ftp, and much more.

7. Unreal Commander Graphics Pack

Unreal Commander appeared quite recently, and the author, obviously, initially set himself the task of making it as simple and unobtrusive as possible. Two-pane interface showing maximum amount information about files and folders, easy navigation, at the bottom there is a line for launching applications (it can be very useful if you need to launch an application with parameters) and buttons for quick operations with files (renaming, copying, deleting, and so on). Unreal Commander supports various design styles (skins), and also provides the ability to set all settings (panel colors, font styles and sizes) in accordance with the user’s wishes.

Key features of Unreal Commander:

Advanced search for files and directories, also search by content, by modification date, by size;

Bulk renaming files by a given mask;

Directory synchronization;

Built-in FTP client;

Support for plugins from Total Commander for viewing certain types of files, as well as archiving;

Work with archives of many formats as with catalogs, as well as the possibility of archiving;

Built-in program for quickly viewing files;

Support network environment, network drives, as well as connected external drives information;

Safe removal information (without the possibility of recovery);

Display the size of directories;

Copying a list of file names, as well as a list of their full paths, to the clipboard;

Working with hot keys and the ability to assign them.

Unreal Commander also allows you to check for new version and downloading new design styles from the program website. To get started, you need to go through an absolutely free registration procedure on the developer’s website.

XYplorer - this file manager is interesting because it can be installed on removable media, such as flash cards. This is possible because it does not leave a record in system registry. XYplorer is a manager that works with windows grouped into tabs.

XYplorer – conditional free alternative Windows Explorer. Unlike the built-in manager, it more tools, and file information has been expanded. File previews can be automatically displayed in the document list or dashboard in full size. Detailed file data is also available here, and searches are performed using Boolean logic, regular expressions, whole word matches, ambiguous terms, etc.

The search function is probably the main advantage of XYplorer, but not the only one. Two layouts have been developed for the program: traditional (for Explorer lovers), and tab-based (seekers of new experiences). XYplorer is also used in conjunction with scripts. You can use it to create shortcuts to other utilities. The application weighs just over 1 megabyte and does not make changes to the registry.

Another alternative to TotalCommander. It has user-friendly interface, as well as some menu items from Explorer and TotalCommander. Information about how much occupied and free space is available on the hard drive in which we are working. You can also see the name of the Selected Folder, creation date (or last change) and its Volume. A very convenient file manager.

Everything agrees that file managers help simplify working with files. The most important thing here is right choice file manager. Of course, not everyone is comfortable using them; for this, programs like Directory Opus were invented that completely replace standard conductor windows.

Everyone may need a file manager for Android to move files, put things in order, or just sort out their smartphone.

But which of them is better to use, the rating will tell you.

comparison table

Name	The application is free	Archive/cloud storage support	Special Features
	+	+	+
	+	+	–
	+	+	–
	+	+	+
	–	+	+
	–	+	+
File manager	+	+	–
	+	+	+
	+	+	–
Conductor	–	+	+

ES File Explorer, better known as ES Explorer, is rightfully the best file manager for Android.

It has many functions that will be useful not only for those who are used to tidying up, but also for lovers of music and famous social network, and those who want to change the factory settings of the smartphone, and in general, the application is almost necessary for every owner of a phone with an Android system.

This application has the function of unpacking archives, watching videos or listening to music, editing folders, files and even deleting standard programs from the system.

By the way, using these functions is very easy. For example, you can unpack an archive in three simple steps:

• Select the archive file with a long finger press;
• At the bottom right, click on settings and select “more”;
• Click on the “Unpack” item.

That's all! And you don't need any special effort. Working with files works in a similar way; when pressed, a menu is displayed, everything can be moved, edited and configured.

This application has become a worthy replacement for the previous one. Except, however, for the lack of some functions...

But overall, Amaze File Manager has become a very good tool for working with files, folders and smartphone settings. It also has additional topics.

ES Explorer did not have these same design themes, or “skins,” at all, but this manager pleased us with a large selection of color settings and ready-made themes that everyone can customize.

Very convenient, especially for those who for some reason cannot work in the standard “skin”. Well, or who just wanted to change the color to suit their mood.

And, of course, the application is needed not only for mood, but also for work, where it is also almost as good as “Explorer”.

Music and videos cannot be downloaded, of course, and there is no unpacking of files. But there is a convenient system for working with files and folders, everything can be touched and changed, and this is done in just a few clicks.

And although Amaze File Manager and ES File Explorer are almost the same, both programs are very popular, except that one has more functions, and the second is easier to work with. This is probably the only difference between them. And temki.

And, of course, if you liked this application more than others, then you can download the file manager for Android here:

Download

If you are a long-time user personal computer, and you need everything familiar on your smartphone too, then this application is just for you.

Of course, the program differs from the computer version simply because the phone is not capable of reflecting what Total Commander reflects on the same PC, but at the same time it has more functions, and for small device it will be very useful.

True, this file manager for Android in Russian has not yet been released, but it is easy and intuitive to use.

You can easily move and edit files, create and delete folders, unzip and archive files...

You can even manage applications and the contents of a USB storage device connected to the phone, that is, a flash drive.

And the program is completely free. Well, except for advertising, which can be removed only for money, but who doesn’t sin with this now?

Yes, by the way, if you have root rights, that is, administrator rights, then using the application you can edit the entire system for yourself.

It's convenient and fast, you can clear your memory of often unnecessary standard programs and applications, and even change settings. It all depends on the user's preferences.

The program itself is very convenient, the interface is almost the same as the usual version of “commando”, and you can download it from this link:

Download

It's so simple and concise. Just a “file manager”. And just a program for those who need even more restraint and practicality than Total Commander can provide.

This application is incredibly easy to use, its design is simple but solid, all functions and buttons are intuitive, the menu is always at hand, and moving or editing files is quick and easy.

In addition, this manager, unlike many others, has a connection with One Drive and Dropbox cloud storages, synchronization with them is automatic, which is simply a huge advantage.

Another pleasant surprise was the organization of files in a sort of small cabinet in which everything is laid out on shelves.

That is, this very organization takes place automatically, and all you have to do is enter the application and select the type of file that you want to view or run.

Here it’s called “Browse by Category,” and no matter what folder there is, say, a picture with a .jpg extension, it will end up in the same place with the others, scattered around the device like socks in a drawer.

As in the previous case, it is not yet possible to download a file manager for Android in Russian, but it is free and convenient, and using it is a pleasure. This is the real pleasure, by the way, you can download it here:

Download

And if you have reached this point, then, believe me, it is not in vain. Ladies and gentlemen, here is a file manager for Android that has managed to combine the most best characteristics previous ones, meet Solid Explorer! You can download it from the link below.

Well, while you are deciding whether to download or not, here is a list of its most worthy, convenient and necessary functions:

But there is one drawback - the application is not completely free. That is, it is not free at all.

Only the first week of use is allowed free of charge, and for everything else you have to pay, and this is very convenient, because in a week a person has time to understand whether he needs this program at all or not.

Not everyone will probably agree to pay, but Solid Explorer is often worth it. It is especially needed by those people who want a more advanced program for their smartphone. It also supports the Russian language.

Download

And this manager is already a little different from the previous ones.

First of all, the fact that it has the ability to open several windows at once, and it also supports many different file formats, has its own player and even text editor. Well, is it impressive?

The set of functions here is truly remarkable, you can edit, move, delete several files at once, easily edit your smartphone on two pages at the same time, write and view files, unpack and archive in one moment.

And all this, in fact, is very convenient, especially when there is a lot of work to be done, for example, moving files, and time is running out, and at the same time you also need to have time to make a note or create an archive.

But it is worth considering that good job it won't come cheap. It would seem that the application is free, but many of the functions in it require special “unlocking” in the form of payment for services and purchase of the program.

Oh yes, there is no Russian language in it either. And, given that the manager is paid, in principle, such a nuance could be taken into account, corrected, and added...

File manager

Apparently, the developers were inspired by the name “File Manager” and decided to do the same thing, but in the Russian manner. And it’s a little surprising to see such a powerful manager from the developers of a watch with a flashlight.

But the application turned out to be surprisingly interesting. Here, like Solid Explorer, despite the simplicity of the name, we managed to collect all the most difficult and required functions, and the manager himself remained free and, which is very, very important for many, Russian-speaking.

“File Manager,” no matter how funny the name of the program may sound, is connected to all (or the absolute majority of them) cloud storages and performs the functions of a mini-browser - there is an incredible number of such storages to use auxiliary functions, user-friendly interface and good coordination of the application with such things as One Drive, TOP-15 Free programs spies for Android (Android): install surveillance (+ Reviews)

Another laconic name. True, from other developers and with a small addition in the form of “HD”. You don’t have to think long about why these particular letters – it’s about quality, but here it’s 5 plus.

Of course, functions such as communication with cloud storage or working with archives are also supported here different formats, and all the standard options necessary for a manager: sorting documents, renaming them, deleting, transferring, moving...

But this is not the highlight of the application. It’s not for nothing that they indicated in the title high quality? “File Manager HD” is one of the few representatives of its kind that can display widgets on the work area.

That is, a mini-version of the program will appear on your screen, with which you can launch it and quickly perform the most necessary functions or follow the unpacking or moving process. And this is very convenient.

The program is paid, very convenient and relatively inexpensive; in addition to this functionality, it has support for many languages ​​and the ability to view files in its own player.

But very few applications can boast such a set of functions, options and plugins, and all this does not take up much space and does not cause disruptions.

You can use the file manager with quality here.

In order to get full control of files and folders in Windows systems, as is known, a so-called file manager must be used (for Windows 7 or other systems - in in this case doesn't matter). Many users do not like the built-in Explorer, if only for the reason that it is somewhat disabilities(you can argue with this). And here the question arises about installing another similar program that would provide users with the maximum possible set of tools. It goes without saying that today you can find a lot of such programs. But let's try to focus on the most popular applications, which are included in almost all well-known rating lists and are especially popular among users of Windows systems.

What is a file manager for Windows 7 or another version?

First, a little theoretical information. After all, what is a file manager for Windows 7 (64 bit) or any other modification? This is a program that allows you not only to view all files and directories available on disks or logical partitions, but also to manage them at the level of simple operations, and also to carry out additional actions(for example, in the form of search, data encryption, access to FTP servers, etc.).

Windows Explorer is indeed extremely limited in its capabilities, and many people find its interface inconvenient to use, which repels most of the user audience from it. There is no particular point in dwelling on it, since anyone who works with Windows has already seen it.

Basic functionality

As for the basic tools that are present in any program of this type, we can highlight a system for displaying and managing the contents of disks or partitions (including hidden objects) in the form of copying, moving, deleting, renaming, the ability to specify search queries, quick creation copies, accessing applications associated with objects, applying and changing shortcuts, etc.

But these are only the basic operations that can be used in the same Explorer. Much more interesting are, for example, the cryptographic encryption system, breaking down or creating bookmarks, viewing history and much more. If you delve into Explorer, you can find some functions of this type, but they seem somewhat unfinished. Therefore, let's look at the five applications that claim to be the best. Naturally, the rating may differ from what is published on the Internet, since the evaluators themselves and computer users preferences can be completely different.

File managers for Windows 7 in Russian

It is clear that it is simply impossible to describe all known programs, so we will limit ourselves to only five applications. Among all the software of this kind, the following free file managers for Windows 7 can be highlighted:

• Total Commander.
• Free Commander.
• FAR Manager.
• File Navigator.
• XYplorer Free.

Many applications are similar in interface and set of basic tools, so below they will be combined into groups according to relevant criteria.

Total Commander and Free Commander

These two programs can be called undisputed leaders in almost all lists. They are the most popular and belong to two-panel managers, in which the main workspace is divided into two independent windows.

How is this convenient? Because, for example, when copying or moving an object in one window, you do not need to specify its final location if it is installed in the second.

By and large, their interface is organized in the image and likeness of the once popular Norton Commander, which was used in DOS systems. Same windows, same function keys for quick access to basic operations. But compared to grandpa Norton, their capabilities are much wider. What does it cost to delete entire tree folder structures? cryptographic encryption, advanced copying, fast archive processing, built-in FTP client and much more that may be useful in everyday work.

FAR Manager and File Navigator

For Windows 7, FAR and its close brother File Navigator are also very reminiscent of Norton Commander. And this applies not only to the same two panels, but also to the fill color of the main windows, which is why the interface looks exactly the same as it once was in DOS.

What's interesting about them? In principle, the functional set is very similar to what was described for previous programs, but there are also some nuances. For example, a file manager for Windows 7 called FAR is very convenient in terms of support command line. Plugins for games or for working with external archivers, sorting objects with color selection for certain types, or instant access to FTP look quite good.

File Navigator is more interesting because it allows you to create groups of files or directories to perform joint operations on them. He will become simple an indispensable assistant for all those users who are connected to each other via the network.

XYplorer Free

Before us is another program, which is a kind of hybrid of the above-described commanders and the classic “Explorer”. For it, however, the crack needs to be installed separately.

The main actions are not particularly different from other applications, but the built-in tool for viewing video or graphics and listening to audio, the presence of a built-in downloader of video protocols from YouTube hosting, support for exporting data in CSV format, implementation custom commands etc.

What to choose?

And what program is the best file manager for Windows 7? Alas, it is quite difficult to answer this question, although with a high degree of probability (based on user reviews) it can be argued that Total Commander is still first on the list. Its analogues, although very similar to it, are in most cases somewhat inferior in functionality. But for multimedia lovers, we can recommend XYplorer Free, since its tools are designed just for this. However, the choice remains with the user himself, and imposing something for his own needs is an absolutely thankless task, especially since it all depends on what specific program capabilities may be required in a particular case.

What was the name of your first file manager? If in the last decade one could safely expect the answer "Norton Commander", then today an acquaintance with file structure most often starts with Windows Explorer. 2xExplorer largely repeats the concept standard tool Windows, while having a lot of additional useful functions.

It’s worth noting right away small size distribution and free status programs. Both of these factors make 2xExplorer extremely accessible.

The file manager, having support for many hotkeys, allows control only from the keyboard. You can assign your own keyboard shortcuts to frequently used folders. The developers paid close attention to viewing and changing files, including a good editor in the distribution. 2xExplorer allows you to create thumbnails for BMP and HTML files for easier viewing.

The main part of the functions is placed on the toolbar located at the bottom of the application working window.

The use of the program is overshadowed by only one fact. Development of 2xExplorer stopped several years ago, there are no prospects for improving the product.