Whether or not you are aware, Windows Explorer has a lot of limitations. If you are perfectly satisfied with it, then continue using it, by all means. However, if you would like something better, and also free, then freeCommander is what you need. Even if you are satisfied with Explorer, you may be surprised to find out how much more productive you could be with a better file management program.
Here are some of my favorite additions that make me smile:
- Support for multiple panes; prevents you from having to have multiple Explorer windows open to easily drag files between locations
- Easily switch between drives, restore the last folder on each drive you visited
- Open a command prompt at your current folder
- Define your own favorite tools that you use often, such as hex editors, text editors, etc. for opening any file
- Ability to completely wipe a file from your hard drive, making it unrecoverable
- Filter files by extension
- Ability to copy filenames/paths to clipboard in order to create a list of contents
- Optionally display the size of folders; very helpful for pinpointing where all of your hard drive space has gone
- Easily compare files and directories after selecting your diff tool of choice
- Ability to create favorite folder combinations for both panes
- Restore state after closing and re-opening
- TONS of other features
There are several other freeware tools out there that I have tried, such as ExplorerXP. But I decided that freeCommander covered more of what I needed than anything else. I’ve been using it for several months now and am quite pleased with its range of features. There will always be an occasional need to use Windows Explorer, but for most of your day-to-day tasks, freeCommander has you covered.
