Once upon a time there was a highly regarded DOS file browser and utility program called Norton Commander. It was so beloved, and so on-point conceptually that clones for Windows were soon to be found all about the land. Some, like the super-tweakable, even more powerful XYplorer, still exist. And that means one big happy forever after if you do a lot of files copying, moving, deleting, etc.
Okay, enough of the fractured fairytale. XYplorer is dual-paned file browser, not unlike what you see when you have Windows Explorer open with the tree in view, albeit with and extra pane to facilitate moves and copies. The beauty of this program, however, is that you can open multiple tabs (right-click over a tab) in each pane. This makes it super-easy to copy file from multiple locations to a single one.
XYplorer also offers a host of appearance tweaks and the ability to create, save and load scripts for automation. About the only thing missing is folder syncing.
So, if you’re looking for a file browser on steroids in the tradition of Norton Commander, XYplorer is well worth a look. There’s also a portable version that’s a slightly larger download.
Note: This program costs 20 Euros. The USD price given here reflects the exchange rate on the day this review was posted.
–Jon L. Jacobi