2 Alternative File Managers to Try

Enhancing File Management Beyond Windows Explorer

The native Windows Explorer has become a familiar tool, particularly with features like the ability to integrate Skydrive directly onto the desktop. However, its performance can sometimes be sluggish, frequently displaying the frustrating "Not Responding" notification.

This performance issue is likely a key driver behind the development of alternative file managers, such as Explorer++ and other Windows Explorer replacements.

Beyond general-purpose file managers, specialized browsers cater to multimedia files, and numerous open-source options, like QMMander, provide further choices.

Discovering Alternative File Browsers

Two additional file browsers offer functionalities not found in Windows Explorer. One might already be present on your system, while the other represents a novel application with a unique approach to file management.

These tools aim to improve upon the standard experience, offering potentially faster and more efficient ways to navigate and interact with your files.

Key Benefits of Exploring Alternatives

Improved Performance: Circumvent the slowdowns sometimes experienced with Windows Explorer.
Enhanced Features: Access functionalities not natively available.
Specialized Tools: Utilize browsers tailored for specific file types, like multimedia.
Open-Source Options: Benefit from community-driven development and customization.

Considering these alternatives can significantly streamline your file management workflow and address the limitations of the default Windows Explorer.

7-Zip: A Surprisingly Capable File Manager (Cross-Platform)

Many users are already familiar with 7-Zip, a highly effective file compression and decompression utility renowned for its excellent compression ratios – often outperforming other freely available file archivers. However, it may not be widely known that 7-Zip also incorporates a streamlined file manager.

This integrated 7-Zip file manager offers reliable performance and avoids the potential freezing issues that can sometimes occur in Windows Explorer when handling large file transfers.

If 7-Zip is already installed on your system, accessing the file manager is straightforward. Simply type "7" into the Start Menu search field. For quicker access, a shortcut can be created by right-clicking the 7-Zip icon, selecting Send To, and then choosing Desktop.

Key Features

- Speed and Responsiveness: This file manager is exceptionally fast, offering a fluid experience for all file operations.
- ISO File Browsing: It allows direct browsing of ISO files, treating them as standard folders. The screenshot demonstrates navigating an ISO containing the Microsoft Expression Studio Ultimate setup, obtained through a student license.

- Keyboard Shortcut Efficiency: Common tasks can be executed rapidly using keyboard shortcuts, even those typically requiring separate applications.

- Favorites for Quick Navigation: Frequently used folders can be easily accessed via keyboard shortcuts by adding them to your Favorites list.

- View Customization: Folder and file views can be quickly altered using hotkeys; the default view is set to Details.

A common issue – the cascaded menu appearing upon right-clicking a zip file – can be resolved to directly display 7-Zip options in the context menu.

To address this, navigate to Tools within the File Manager's menu bar and adjust the settings in Options.

Nemo Documents (Windows)

Nemo Documents presents itself as a streamlined and non-intrusive file manager. It offers a unique approach to file organization, displaying your file structure in a calendar-like format, similar to those found in applications like Google Calendar or Outlook.

This calendar view is intended to provide a more intuitive method for locating files. It could be particularly beneficial for individuals who utilize the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology and wish to regularly review their active files.

Enhanced Search Capabilities

Beyond basic file management, Nemo Documents functions effectively as a search tool. It leverages the integrated Desktop Search functionality available in Windows Vista and Windows 7.

This integration allows users to search for specific keywords or phrases directly within the content of their documents, streamlining the process of finding needed information.

As highlighted on the developer’s website, if a file’s name is forgotten, combining relevant keywords with other remembered details – such as the month of creation or the file type – can significantly aid in its retrieval.

Expanding Search Views

While Windows 7 natively organizes search results by month, users of Windows XP and Vista can now access this functionality, along with other enhanced views, through Nemo Documents.

File Tagging and Labeling

A notable feature of Nemo Documents is its ability to tag or label files, irrespective of their format.

Typically, Windows Explorer limits tagging capabilities to Microsoft documents and JPEG images. However, Nemo Documents, similar to third-party tools like TaggedFrog, extends this functionality to all file types.

Therefore, if you frequently utilize tagging for organization or require more effective file searches based on tags, Nemo Documents may be a valuable asset.