Like most average computer users I too heavily rely on Windows Explorer to open up my files, copy files, rename them etc. and it would get to my nerves when every time after opening up Explorer I have to manually navigate to my desired folder, to open up my file, or if I need to copy files then open up two instances of explorer and copy from one, minimize, it open the other paste and paste it. Another really annoying thing is, if you have your Explorer set to show file extensions and you hit F2 to rename it selects the whole thing, and 90% of the time you forget the re-type the extension.
After having to do this day in and day out for I don’t know how many years, I decided it was time to make a change. Searching on the net for Windows Explorer alternatives, I came across a whole bunch of software that are available many of which are free. After trying out a couple of them I fell in love with xplorer².
Here are some of the things that I really dig about xplorer² lite.
1. Its extremely lightweight and quite fast
2. The default Dual pane layout is a huge plus. Allows me to very easily drag and drop files and folders, and also compare between two folders.
3. As if the dual pane wasn’t good enough it also supports tabs. Within each pane, I can open up multiple tabs and the best part is it remembers my last settings so if I shut down and open up xplorer² it will automatically open up the folder locations I was last in.
4. Another feature that I really like is the bread crumbs menu which allows me to directly jump back to top level folder, without having to hit the “up” or the “back” button multiple times.
5. A feature that I really dig is saving a folder location as a book mark and assigning a shortcut key to it. I’m sure you’d all agree in your day to day work there are these 4-5 folders where all your data resides and which you use the most. With xplorer² you can simply assign a short cut key and open them with the hit of a button. Just imagine what a relief it is to not have to go to the same process day in and day out.
6. The cute thing about renaming files in xplorer² is that by default it selects only the file name and not the extension, so you are spared the trouble of typing in the extension each time your rename a file.
7. Oh and finally it also supports SVN icon overlays, so if you are using Tortoise SVN, you can see the Icon Overlays within xplorer². (But I feel its a little buggy as the icons don’t show up sometimes)
xplorer² has a lot more features, which I don’t use very often, also the pro version has even more features, but I’m sure the features listed above are good enough to make the switch to xplorer².
Now there are many alternatives to Windows Explorer, like Total Commander, Xplorer, or XYplorer.. You can get the list here http://www.simplehelp.net/2006/10/11/10-windows-explorer-alternatives-compared-and-reviewed/
After spending quality time with xplorer² I feel relieved to have migrated from the Stone Ages… let me know how do you guys feel after giving any of the above Explorer alternatives a try.
PS:
I’m no way associated with xplorer² or Zabkat (the company that makes xplorer²) nor do I receive kickbacks for promoting it on my blog. I’m just a regular happy user 
