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Download of the Week: Total Commander

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On June 26, 2009, 12:06 PM

Windows Explorer is a good-enough solution for most people who need simple file management functionality on Windows. However, if you’re any sort of power user, you’ve probably bumped up against some of its limitations. There are a number of free and paid alternatives that pack features Microsoft’s default file manager sorely lacks, but you’d be hard-pressed finding one that can beat the feature set Total Commander has to offer.


Among them are side-by-side file browsing panes, directory synchronization, enhanced file search, built-in FTP with FXP and HTTP proxy support, file comparing tools, archive handling through internal unpackers for ZIP, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZ,CAB, RAR and ACE formats, multiple language support, a bitmap viewer, batch file renaming with support for specific rules, and the list goes on. Total Commander also stands out for its extensibility, boasting an ample collection of add-ons that really add to its value.

The main drawback, however, is its price. The software is available for download as a month-long demo but costs $38 after that – students with an identity card or other proof can get it at a reduced price. There’s also a freeware Pocket version compatible with Windows Mobile and Windows CE devices. Total Commander definitely gets our vote for best alternative file manager on Windows, but there are also other free tools that may well suit your particular needs, such as Xplorer2 Lite and FreeCommander.

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4 comments

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  1. June 29, 2009 12:26 PM
    DarienFenn said:

    The $38 you pay for this program also gets you free upgrades for life. But even if somewhere down the road Ghisler changes his mind, I'd pay for upgrades without a blink. Consider: I've used this program for years and it has never crashed, it's feature set is remarkable and always expanding, it's blazingly fast, intuitive and highly customizable. I use TC more than any other program I own -- easily the finest piece of software on any of my computers. Worth every penny.

    Reply
  2. June 30, 2009 3:54 AM
    ravisunny2
    ravisunny2, TS Ambassador, said:

    Could you suggest a freeware alternative ?

    Reply
  3. June 30, 2009 9:13 AM
    Staff
    Jos
    Jos said:

    Free alternatives

    Uhm... yes. I mentioned two on the last paragraph Xplorer2 Lite and FreeCommander.

    Reply
  4. July 1, 2009 2:31 AM
    ravisunny2
    ravisunny2, TS Ambassador, said:

    Oops

    Sorry, I missed them completely.

    I was feeling a little stressed out.

    Overloaded by my kids' holiday projects.

    Reply

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