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2xExplorer by Nikos Bozinis |
2xExplorer is a file manager that's small in size with features that many power users may find attractive including storable, menu driven interfaces! |
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340k HERE! |
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2xExplorer by Nikos Bozinis It must be spring time! That's when I get an itch to check for file managers. I just LOVE file managers!! Thinking back to when DOS was the thing and I ran a BBS, you didn't know what you were doing unless you had a good file manager. 2XExplorer is a small file manager with some really great features that are just waiting to be explored! Downloading........ Size zipped: 340k Size Installed: 656k including the archived .txt files There is very little wait for this file, even with a slower modem! The connection was immediate and so was the download. The archive contains many "help" text files for you to read through, along with the executionable. Installation.......... There is no install program associated with this utility. What you need to do is unzip the archive into a directory of your choice. I would suggest MAKING a new one such as /Program Files/2XExplorer/ or something similar to keep your file areas neat and tidy. There are NO files going into the Windows/System directory! There is only the .exe file (EXEctionable) along with the text files. Once you've put them away, it's a matter of making an icon for it on the desktop and connecting the icon with this .exe file. Once clicked, the program opens up. Help Files.......... There are five text files that are included within the 2XExplorer archive of which, three are for help and are commanded from the programs HELP menu itself. One is a FAQ document, another is for Keyboard Shortcuts, and the last one is for Installation. These are also the help files used in the program's HELP menu, so make sure that these .txt files are included in the directory along with the .exe file for 2XExplorer. If they aren't, you will not see these help files in the program. Interface........... One of the best features about the interface of 2xExplorer is that it is SO configurable. The program allows you to position your windows according to your preference, then save the setup for recalling later via the View/Layouts/......... menu! For instance, when I'm working on my web site, I like to check the .gifs and .html files in their directories for dupes or garbage. Well, here's a setup that I made to do just that (the picture has been sized to fit):
This image actually shows 3 windows. The left is the tree view, center is the image chosen, the next is a separate file pane. This setup allows me to not only find the directory with the pics, but to view them one by one and move them around. As I stated, you can set this up the way YOU want, save it, then make a totally different one and save it. I see spaces for three layouts! That's a great feature, especially for the interface. There are handy tool bars all along the outside of this program, all of which can be removed from the interface if needed. Features........... I've already mentioned a couple of great features. One is the ability to have multiple layouts for your specific needs at the click of your mouse and the other is a "Thumb Bar" which is actually a viewing window to display an assortment of picture files that you've chosen. It handles many of the most popular formats such as .jpg, .html, .gif etc. The program offers a total of 5 different toolbars (including the "Thumb Bar") to chose from for the interface. Also, I have found 2xExplorer compatible with PowerArchiver as well as InoculateIT on my machine so that the functions of these programs are available from the "right click" within the file manager. The program gives you the opportunity to get specific "Folder Data" for the hard drive. The window shows the folder tree of the hard drive and allows each folder to expand to it's limit. As you go along, it will give you the total data from that folder on!! An EXCELLENT idea for keeping track of directory trees and their components! Here's a pic:
The search function is extremely detailed right down to the date constraints with time!! Here's a pic of that setup:
Another excellent feature is the ability to "Bookmark" a specific directory, possibly one you might visit often, which will make it available immediately using the "Bookmarks" menu. This is a bonus as I find that I use the "temp" directory more than I should and rather than traveling up the "directory tree", I just use the "C:/temp" bookmark. Bingo, there it is waiting for me in the active window. Problems......... Not yet! This program runs fast too! Closing......... If you take into consideration the insignificant file size. This program is a whopper!!! I love file managers and this one is a keeper, with many of the features that power users look for. In fact, Microsoft should offer a contract to this programmer and include this in there new systems, it's that good! Of course, it depends on what you want to do with it!!! Just a note: The author specifically states that the program is free to use and requires no payment however, he has mentioned that he appreciates donations (who doesn't!!).
But wait........................ WoW, just when you thought it was safe!!! On my download doorstep, ANOTHER FILE MANAGER!!! This looks like a keeper too, with options which just might interest YOU. Next issue............
Ahhhhhhhhhh................. I just love spring!!!! :)
Enjoy Buzzy J
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