Clover is a great replacement for standard Windows Explorer
For many users since the days of the first Windows versions I have a negative opinion about Windows Explorer. Some of the complaints are well founded. The reason for this is Microsoft's inexplicable obstinacy in not implementing tabs or panels in this file manager. The rest of the Explorer interface and functionality has also changed little over the past five years. In this article I will try to tell you how to improve the work of the standard Explorer so that it becomes more friendly and convenient.
1. Use “Favorites”
Yes, we are unlikely to see tabs from Microsoft. Therefore, let's try to improve the usability of Explorer in a slightly different way. At the top of the tree panel there is an item with an asterisk and the inscription “Favorites”. This item is always visible, but for some reason it is rarely used. But in vain!
To place a folder there, simply open it in Explorer and click right key mouse on the asterisk (“Favorites”) in the left window of Explorer. Each user does not have so many folders that he regularly looks into. There is a place for them in the “Favorites”. Now you can get to the folder with “Tanks” replays or another frequently used tab in just two clicks. To do this, you don’t even need to clutter your desktop with folders or shortcuts for them.
2. Clean the context menu
With the installation of new programs, more and more new items appear in the context menu displayed by Explorer when you click the right mouse button. After a while, the menu grows and becomes inconvenient. The easiest way is to clean it using a utility that has special function in your arsenal of tweaks.
3. Add your functions to the context menu
Adding your items to context menu The conductor will require certain training from the user. To do this you need to launch the editor system registry(regedit.exe) and find the branch responsible for the Explorer context menu. For experienced users Below is a picture with the indicated branch. They will figure out what to do next.
We encourage others to use only ready-made scripts that change the registry.
Here, for example, are ready-made scripts that add the items “Move to...” and “Copy to...” (“Copy to...”). Just download and run them.
4. Improving file copying
In earlier versions, before Windows 7, the copy dialog was terrible: copy conflict resolution could not be set uniformly for all files being processed. Now he has become much better. Therefore, this point is more relevant to owners of older versions of Windows. We suggest that they use a utility that integrates with Explorer and brings to it not only its own file copy dialog, but also its own algorithm accelerated copying in several threads.
5. Add tabs to Explorer
If, after all the operations you have done with the Explorer, it still seems inconvenient to you, do not despair. Install the program . It will create tabs in your Explorer.
I have used a bunch of different file managers in my practice, starting with Norton Commander and ending with quite modern Total Commander and Double Commander. Therefore, I declare to you with all responsibility - Windows Explorer is quite good! Suddenly? Try to tame him using the suggested tricks!
The most common work with a computer and system is copying, moving and other work with folders. This can sometimes be inconvenient, especially when you need to work with multiple folders. Usually they open several necessary folders and collapse them. Then they switch between them, which also causes some inconvenience.
Some install third-party file managers and somehow solve it this way.
But in this article I will show you a program that will simply replace Explorer and make the work much more familiar and convenient.
Many of us spend most of our time sitting at the computer on the Internet. We are using different websites, but browsers based on the Chrominium engine (not necessarily Google) are becoming increasingly popular. Therefore, its interface is most familiar to us, just like other browsers.
In general, EJIE Technology has developed a program that replaces Windows Explorer and makes it look like a browser. Sort of Chrome Explorer it turns out =)
Take a look and you will immediately understand what I mean:
Please note that when you right-click on a tab, the same context menu that is present in browsers opens:
And here, just in case. list of hotkeys for working with tabs in this Explorer:
Open in new window.
- Open new tab.
Hold down the key while clicking on a folder - Open folder in new tab in background.
- Open the latest closed tab.
- Switch to the tab with specified number positions on the tab.
- Switch to last tab.
- Transition to next tab.
- Go to previous tab.
- Close the current window.
- Close the current tab or pop-up window.
- Open and close the bookmarks bar.
- Save the current tab as a bookmark in your bookmarks folder.
- Save all tabs as bookmarks in the bookmarks folder.
The screenshot above shows the settings. Everything is clear there, but regarding the theme I would like to clarify that themes from Google Chrome With .crx. So you can download your favorite theme from your browser and install it yourself.
Other program features:
Program to improve functionality standard Explorer Windows. It allows you to integrate some functions into Explorer popular browser Google Chrome, such as working with multiple tabs in one window and creating bookmarks for frequently used files and folders.
Many people often make various jokes about how operating systems work. Windows family. These are most often “advanced” users who switched to Linux and others like them :).
Many people, reluctantly, endure the inconvenience of working with a PC, gradually getting used to it. And only a few try to improve their system in any way, adding to it a variety of useful functions that make everyday tasks much easier.
In our article today, I would like to touch on the topic of improving Windows Explorer. Some users decided to get rid of it once and for all and use third-party file managers.
This is also an option, but usually many remain “attached” to standard means access to files. And precisely for such users third party developers They write dozens of different applications that significantly improve the good old Explorer.
It's no secret that the Explorer is based on the notorious Internet Explorer, only stripped down and adapted to work with the local file system. Program developers Clover, which will be discussed today, we decided that since the basis for the standard viewer Windows files is a browser, then let it be... Chrome!
Accordingly, by installing Clover, we will get a “Chrome-like” appearance of Explorer with the ability to create multiple tabs (instead of opening new windows) and bookmarks to quickly navigate to the desired directories!
But about everything in due time, for now I offer a small comparison of Clover with paid analogue, which improves working with files in Explorer - Xplorer 2:
Comparison with a paid analogue
Clover is not as functional as other similar utilities, but I liked it primarily because it practically does not change appearance Windows Explorer. This allows you to comfortably use standard sidebar tasks. That is, there is no need to relearn and remember what and where (in terms of functions) is now located - everything remains as it was, and even better :)
Program installation
Installation will not take you much time. Just download the archive with the program and run from it installation file. In the window that appears, click the “Next” button, and in the next window, select (if necessary) the installation location, click the “Install” button and wait for the installation process to complete.
After installation is complete, a program icon will appear on your desktop and the “My Computer” window will open, which will now look like this:
As you can see, virtually everything remained in its place, but three new things were added: it became possible to create tabs, the bookmarks bar was activated and a button was added in the form wrench to configure our program.
Clover program settings
First of all, let's take a look at the Clover settings menu:
To be honest, it slightly disappointed me... The fact is that, in fact, there are no settings at all :). All we can do is open a new tab, a new window and hide the bookmarks bar. Not too much, though I didn’t really want to :). Indeed, the fewer customization options, the less chance there is to mess up somewhere ;)
Interestingly, by selecting the “About Clover” item, we will see a window in which we can check if there are any updates for our program. By the way, it looks the same as the Chrome browser.
The “Help” item will send us to the official website of the program (by the way, it’s Chinese :)), and “Exit”, contrary to expectations, will not disable new functions, but will simply close the current window.
Working with bookmarks
As we found out above, bookmarks in Clover are the only thing that can be customized, so let's start with them:
There are several ways to add a bookmark to the desired folder or file:
- Drag the folder (or file) icon to the bookmarks bar;
- Select the folder and press the key combination “CTRL+D”;
- Call the context menu of the bookmarks bar and click “Add page”.
In addition, as in “Chrome-like” browsers, we have the ability to group our bookmarks by certain folders. Call the context menu of the bookmarks bar and activate the “Add folder” item:
In the window that appears, in the “Name” field, enter the desired name for your folder and click “Save.” If you need to create several folders, this can be done by pressing the “ new folder" Bookmarks are added to the resulting folders using the same principles as to the bookmarks bar.
Using bookmarks, you can access any folders, files and even programs, thus getting great tool For quick call required functions!
Working with Tabs
Clover's main trump card is the function of adding tabs to Explorer:
As with working with bookmarks, the most convenient way to open the desired folders in new tabs is to drag them to the tab bar. In this case, the cursor will take the form of an arrow, which indicates whether you need to insert a new tab after the existing one, before it, or open it in the current tab (see screenshot above).
However, in reality there are much more possibilities for creating a tab:
- The already mentioned drag and drop (opens the selected folder in a new tab);
- Clicking the parallelogram button to the right of the last open tab (opens a new “My Computer” tab);
- Keyboard shortcut “CTRL+T” (opens a new tab “My Computer”);
- The “New Tab” item in Settings and in the context menu of the tab bar (opens a new “My Computer” tab).
Regarding the last point, I would like to talk separately:
In the context menu you can find another pretty convenient way creating a new tab - “Duplicate”. It allows you to quickly create a copy of the currently selected tab.
Besides useful points there will be “Reopen closed tab”, which allows you to return recently viewed tabs that you closed, and “Pin tab”. Last function allows us to keep the necessary open tabs even after turning off Explorer!
In addition to the simple convenience of displaying several directories in one window, you can also easily drag and drop files and folders between open tabs, so that the need for multi-panel interfaces disappears by itself!
That's probably all there is to it :). It's time to take stock.
Advantages and disadvantages of the program
- expanding functionality without changing the appearance of Explorer;
- support for opening multiple folders in different tabs one window;
- developed bookmark system for quick access to the necessary folders and files;
- convenient tab management functions;
- moving files and folders between open tabs.
- not detected:).
conclusions
The conclusion suggests itself - if you are not used to using a variety of file managers in your work, then Clover will become great addition to your standard Explorer.
With its help you will not only simplify navigation through file system and copying data from one folder to another, but you can also organize your own shortcut panel for any programs or folders! And all this - without significant changes in the functionality of the standard Explorer!
P.S. Permission granted to freely copy and quote this article provided that open active link to the source and preservation of the authorship of Ruslan Tertyshny.
Due to Microsoft's complete disregard for the principles of making it easier to work with Explorer, starting with Windows Vista, replacement of the standard conductor is required. The Windows Explorer currently in use is functionally impoverished: only two forward and backward buttons; functionally poor panel; non-customizable view; lack of long-awaited functions; depletion of functionality even with two-pane viewing.
The choice of such software is quite large. But often these are either monsters with several megabytes of distribution with for some reason included gadgets in the form of an image viewer, text editors and even meliafile players. On the other hand, some simple substitutes do not support the shell-extension of the standard Explorer, behave unpredictably and differ in hotkeys from the standard Explorer. Moreover, for some reason, those others may also come across shareware versions.
Hence the requirements for a conductor substitute:
Light weight
familiar look
functionally rich panel
support for shell-extensions of standard explorer
free
the ability to integrate and completely replace a standard conductor (even in future Windows 7)
Russian interface is desirable
(additions are welcome)
Of interest to a first approximation:
SE-Explorer
Explorer++
ExploreXP
CubicExplorer
XPlorer
Please do not confuse the topic with choosing a file manager - this different classes programs.
Please also do not confuse it with programs that replace the system shell, a la Aston, etc.
pav Have you ever installed Total Commander Ultima Prime?
There is an opportunity to completely replace the explorer, even My Computer opens
And obviously this was done not by the total means, but by a separate utility. It turns out that anyone who understands at least a little in these matters can easily replace the conductor with anything, you just need to know WHERE and WHAT to edit in the registry!!
Quote:
pav Have you ever installed Total Commander?
-->
Quote:
Please do not confuse the topic with choosing a file manager
Quote:
It turns out that anyone who understands at least a little in these matters can easily replace the conductor with anything, you just need to know WHERE and WHAT to edit in the registry!!
The lack of understanding and knowledge about the difference between replacing a called program with a native (or close to it) replacement and knowledge is more than compensated for by inappropriate sarcasm.
screw
He seems to have no Russian...
pav, I use UltraExplorer. very satisfied.
pav strange, where did you see sarcasm in my words?
Will you explain specifically what you need?! So I click on the trash can icon or My Computer, Total Commander opens instead of Explorer, so in my understanding TC replaced it. I suppose instead of TC there can be any file manager You just need to tinker with the registry in the right way, I wish I knew how...
ChronoAngel
Can you imagine the difference between Explorer and file manager, between Explorer and FAR or TC?
pav So I’m asking you, what is the fundamental difference?
What is the difference between “replacing Explorer” and “a file manager everywhere in the registry registered instead of Explorer”?!
pav
I was also interested in the moment
Quote:
What is the difference between “replacing Explorer” and “a file manager registered everywhere in the registry instead of Explorer”
If we also take into account that
Quote:
not to be confused with programs that replace the system shell, a la Aston, etc.
Maybe you simply need to expand the capabilities of the explorer, something like an add-on? Explorer clones?
I used it before and didn't like it. I'm currently trying out UltraExplorer. Although, to be honest, I mostly sit under Total Commander and I think there is no point in experimenting with anything anymore.
Interesting Explorer add-on=ShellLess Explorer
Povor
A powerful thing, it’s a pity that it’s paid (but it can be solved).
Quote:
A powerful thing, it’s a pity that it’s paid (but it can be solved).
Works for an unlimited time, without registration (5 sec wait at startup)
pav
Maybe you'll answer anyway
Quote:
What is the difference between “replacing Explorer” and “a file manager everywhere in the registry registered instead of Explorer”?!
And
Quote:
Maybe you simply need to expand the capabilities of the explorer, something like an add-on? Explorer clones?
Overall I'm more inclined towards the second one.
=some kind of add-on? Explorer clones?=
I tried almost all file managers, but what happens is unnecessary consumption of resources (I work on photos and videos), inconvenience of overuse, poor integration with the system (open-save).
Windows XP x64
QuadCore AMD Phenom Black Edition 9850, 2500 MHz
memory 7680 MB
So far I've settled on the QTTabBar+ShellLess Explorer combination
IMHO, if we are to “replace Explorer”, then the explorer.exe process should not be in memory. I practically don’t use Explorer (on my computer) since earlier versions Windows, I use file managers. But the process hangs in memory, too much is tied to it (although I didn’t really bother with this topic, I should try replacing it with Total Commander)
Added:
Total Commander Ultima Prime -
Quote:
the ability to completely replace the explorer, even My Computer opens. And obviously this was done not by total means, but by a separate utility
It's just a reg file, and it's implemented rather crookedly. Explorer is still present in the processes, only the associations have been removed from it. In Aston, for example, Explorer is not in the processes, and everything works quite normally. But for some reason it didn’t suit me.
I'm not an ardent supporter of Explorer. But the path of most users is familiar to me:
We bought a computer, there is a browser, we climb through the folders with the buttons back and forth.
1. We get tired quickly because we need to remember in our heads where everything is.
2. Let’s try to optimize...quote from the forum - “disable the creation of thumbs.db for folders with graphics, so they open a little slower” - set = “ACDSee”” folders with graphics open even slower (I don’t want to look at the photos anymore), set the file manager - expand additional functionality menu, buttons, history” we use this by 10% because the remaining 90% are not required, etc...
An “explorer” add-on like QTTabBar or ShellLess Explorer intelligently expands the functionality without taking the user into unnecessary weeds.
By the way, the standard view of the FM list on 22d monitors. looks “with binoculars” =)))
By the way, people - is it possible to somehow transfer the x-th conductor to the seven? Many are accustomed to it on xp, and it would be convenient to use it on 7...the buttons at the top are “FORWARD” - “BACK” - “COPY” - etc... Convenient. I tried “mechanically” "move explorer.exe from XP to 7 - it won't start... Maybe someone has a solution?
http://content.foto.mail.ru/mail/banadyk/_answers/i-1609.jpg
Please tell me which of these Windows shell replacements has the same feature?
PS Evgenii66 in all versions of Windows, you can go up one level in Explorer by pressing Backspace
I present the TOP 10 best file managers for the Windows operating system. When compiling the list, only file managers with graphical interface, which are convenient for most users to work with. That's why there are no file managers here text interface, For example FAR Manager or Midnight Commander.
Outside the list of the best file managers were programs that had not been updated for a long time, for example, EF Commander, ViewFD, or less famous applications: FileVoyager, Tablacus Explorer, muCommander, One Commander etc.
The file manager program (“file commander”) is designed to work with files, disks and folders on a computer. Mainly in similar programs are being carried out routine operations to copy, transfer or delete files, open folders and files, launch applications.
In the operating room Windows system The default file manager is Explorer. Many users are not satisfied with the functionality of the standard file manager, so they use other alternative file managers to work on their computer.
Most of the presented programs work only on the Windows platform, but there are also multi-platform applications among them.
One of the best, most popular alternative dual-pane file manager for Windows (Android is also supported). Total Commander was previously called Windows Commander.
In Total Commander you can do various operations with files, a customizable menu and appearance in the application, a built-in FTP client with support for a secure connection, working with archives using your own means, batch mode, advanced search with the ability to use regular expressions and many other functions.
Possibilities Total programs Commander is greatly expanded with scripts and numerous plugins.
Total Commander works in Russian, the program was created by a developer from Switzerland - Christian Giesler. The program is paid, but can work for free.
A two-panel file manager with a huge range of capabilities for working with files. The SpeedCommander window can be split into two parts, either horizontally or vertically.
SpeedCommander has built-in full support Unicode, multi-tab support implemented, virtual folders, batch operations and macros. The file manager has a built-in viewer for more than 80 file types, a client for connecting via FTP, FTP-SSL, SFTP, built-in text editor with syntax support, plugins are supported that expand the capabilities of the program.
The program works with 13 types of archives (unpacking, packing), it is built into the application powerful system encryption and password protection of files. SpeedCommander can sync data across folders, compare data across folders and files, the file manager has tools for grouping and filtering, etc.
SpeedCommander - paid program, developed in Germany (SpeedProject). To support the Russian language, you need to install a Russifier.
Powerful file manager with big amount useful functions. The application's capabilities are expanded using plugins. oMega Commander has a friendly, fully customizable interface.
Main features of oMega Commander: tape interface, transfer, rename, format tapes, open files in different programs, color grouping of tabs, pinning and saving tabs, file flags, highlighting files by type, multi-window interface, list of favorite windows, smart copy, working with archives as with regular folders, safe deletion data without the possibility of recovery, cutting and merging files, multifunctional search, built-in editor, control free space and much more.
oMega Commander is a paid program with Russian language support (developed by Pylonos.com LLC).
Free two-pane file manager with wide functionality. The program is similar in operation and appearance to Total Commander. Unreal Commander supports plugins created for Total Commander (except file system plugins).
Unreal Commander can sync folders, supported batch renaming files, supports the main types of archives, built-in FTP client, advanced search panel, media player, preview of files in the form of thumbnails, quick view built-in tools, checking file checksums, the application has built-in utilities for downloading and Reserve copy and much more.
Unreal Commander developer - Max Diesel. The program supports Russian language. To enable the full-featured mode, you must obtain a free license key.
FreeCommander
FreeCommander is a free, powerful two-panel (horizontal or vertical panel) file manager. The program supports multiple tabs, but can also work in single-pane mode.
FreeCommander can work with archives, check checksums files, compare and synchronize directories, quick search, built into the application command console DOS, group renaming of files is supported, permanent deletion files, taking screenshots and much more.
The FreeCommander program was created by a developer from Poland - Marek Jasinski, the application works in Russian.
Free file manager with a two-window interface. The program runs on different platforms(Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD).
IN Double program Commander has built-in tools for group renaming files and synchronization, all operations are performed in the background, tab support is implemented, a built-in file viewer, thumbnail viewing, working with archives, advanced file search, including regular expressions, suspend function file operations, there is support for some plugins for Total Commander, etc.
The Double Commander program was created by a team of developers from Russia who strive to create a file manager similar to Total functionality Commander.
Powerful multi-window, two-pane file manager. In addition to performing standard operations, the program has additional functionality.
IN free program Multi Commander supports plugins, works with archives, built-in utilities for working with images, tools for working with audio files, it is possible to customize the appearance of the program to suit your needs, operations are performed in the background, a built-in registry editor, FTP client, script support is implemented, etc.
The Multi Commander program works in Russian (developed by Mathias Svensson).
XYplorer
XYplorer is a functional file manager designed as a replacement for Explorer. The program has two versions: full version XYplorer Pro (paid) and a version with limited functionality XYplorer Free (free).
XYplorer supports working in unlimited quantity multi-tabs, the application has a customizable interface in single-panel or double-panel mode, the program has many built-in additional tools and functions, there is a rollback of changes, viewing multimedia files, comparing and renaming files, support for scripts and batch operations, calculation and display of folder sizes, advanced search, synchronization between directories, viewing properties and editing file tags, it is possible to assign tags and color labels to files etc.
The developer of XYplorer is Donald Lessau, the program supports the Russian language.
File manager designed for Commodore computers AMIGA, on which their own OS. Later, the program began to be used as an alternative to Windows Explorer.
The Directory Opus program has customizable toolbars, a two-panel interface with a folder tree, the ability to replace Explorer is implemented, it is possible to change interface colors, there is an advanced search function, search for duplicate files, virtual folder technology works, the application can be configured to synchronize files and folders, FTP works , view implemented graphic files, plugins are supported, slide shows can be launched, etc.
Directory Opus is a paid program, developed in Australia (GPSoftware), supports Russian language.
Q-Dir
Q-Dir is a free file manager with an unusual four-panel interface. The user can change the program interface, leaving only one, two or three windows in a horizontal or vertical arrangement.
Q-Dir integrates with Explorer into the context menu, the program has built-in magnifier, quick transition to favorite folders, works color highlighting different types files, the program is tiny in size (less than 2 MB), etc.
The Q-Dir program works in Russian (developer from Germany - Nenad Hrg).
Conclusions of the article
10 best file managers: Total Commander, SpeedCommander, oMega Commander, Unreal Commander, FreeCommander, Double Commander, Multi Commander, XYplorer, Directory Opus, Q-Dir can successfully replace Explorer - the standard Windows file manager.
