For dummies 

Analogues of Total Commander: selecting the best programs. Commander One is a free analogue of Total Commander for Mac

The final result of the work depends on the convenience and performance of the tool. Nimble Commander is fine with this. It fully lives up to its name (translated from English as nimble - nimble, dexterous), consumes a minimal amount of resources and provides instant response, working equally quickly with one window or a dozen.

For advanced users, a file manager is not just a means of viewing documents and folders, but an entire ecosystem with which much of their work is connected. With Nimble Commander you don’t need to be distracted at all, it has literally everything: a viewer, an archiver, a Terminal emulator, an FTP/SFTP client and much more.

Almost any (if not all) actions with files and additional tools are performed using hotkeys, which saves a lot of time and allows you to work like in the good old days. Not the least important role is played by the flexibility of Nimble Commander, thanks to which you can customize everything and everyone for yourself.

Appearance



For real geeks there is a classic design theme, repeating appearance old Norton Commander or his ideological follower Far Manager. But don't be alarmed, there is mouse support too: Shift + click select files, scrolling is responsible for moving through the list.

Working with files

Convenient navigation in the application is provided by several viewing modes: the number of columns changes, the option to shorten file names, not to mention the size of the panels. There is integration with Quick Look, which works by spacebar and opens a preview window in the adjacent panel. You can view any documents and files, including Various types archives.




There are several filters for searching, and there is integration with Spotlight. The group renaming function contains various masks and is useful when working with large amounts of data. To check the hash sums of files, you no longer need to use separate utilities: everything you need is in Nimble Commander. File attributes and rights are usually edited through the “Terminal”, but this can also be done directly in the file manager.

Additional functions

Nimble Commander is truly a comprehensive tool that does not only its basic tasks well, but also its advanced tasks. It features the ability to connect to remote FTP and SFTP servers to view and download files, as well as a “Terminal” emulator and display of various system information: from a list of processes to an “About This Mac” summary.




Nimble Commander also has a separate menu for creating symbolic and hard links. It's easier and more convenient than using the Terminal. Admin mode is also useful because it eliminates the need to enter the sudo command every time you run or change system files.

What's the result?

I think Nimble Commander turned out to be very successful. The developers did not try to please everyone at once, but were clearly focused on target audience- advanced users. The sight of such a file manager may scare off beginners, but real geeks who are crazy about Far Manager’s simplicity and functionality Total Commander, it will definitely give you pleasure from work.

Nimble Commander costs 1,890 rubles, which for good tool not expensive at all. In this case, the developer provides a 30-day trial version to rate the application. It can be downloaded from the official website or from Mac App Store(there it is still under the old name Files).

Total Commander is one of the most famous programs for working with files. Its main features are the presence of a convenient user interface and mass useful functions. IN currently Total Commander has worthy alternatives that have already attracted the attention of many users. Here are some of these applications.

Far Manager

Far Manager is a file manager designed to work with hotkeys.

The program interface is divided into two panels, the appearance of which can be customized independently. The program also offers the function of connecting to FTP and viewing available network resources.

With the Far Manager app, you can create, copy, rename and move files on your PC. Built into the program text editor, supporting a variety of encodings. In addition, Far Manager allows you to work with archives. To use this function, you must connect an archiver program.

Another useful option provided in the Far Manager program is macros. Once you have completed an action, you can repeat it by pressing a key. This way you can rename files or replace text in different documents.

Free Commander

Another alternative to the popular file manager is Free program Commander. Its interface includes two panels in which you can copy, rename, view and move files, as well as create new files and directories.

You can rename an entire group of files according to the template you specify. In the template you can specify:
- name of the new directory;
- time and date of creation of files;
- file extension;
- file owner data;
- counter;
- properties and images.

Free Commander also supports the ability to connect to an FTP server. Today, users can download this tool completely.

Double Commander

Double Commander is a multi-platform file manager with two panels and a wide range of functions: tab support, group renaming, advanced file search, logging of all operations, etc.

The program has a built-in text editor with syntax highlighting. You can view files in 2 text formats: binary and hexadecimal.

Double Commander is a unicode-compatible program that interacts with many archivers. Today this application can be downloaded for free.

SpeedCommander

SpeedCommander is a popular commercial analogue of the Total Commander program, created by German developers. The program is characterized by built-in Unicode support and offers users a large number of useful functions. Here are just a few of them:
- viewing several dozen text and graphic formats;
- work with FTP client;
- built-in text editor;
- powerful system file encryption.

Midnight Commander

This is a free file manager with a text interface. It has all the necessary functions for working with files. You can edit text documents, perform operations of copying and moving files, connect to FTP, Samba, SFTP servers, work with archives and directories.

Midnight Commander supports a multilingual interface and UTF-8 encoding. Today this application is one of the best file managers for Windows systems.

Directory Opus

Directory Opus is another commercial file manager. It was developed by the Australian company GPSoftware. The program is packed with all sorts of utilities and additional functions. In particular, Directory Opus has data filtering and synchronization functions. The user can change the appearance of the interface of this program at his own discretion.

Directory Opus is fully compatible with Windows 7 and can only be purchased under a license.

All of the above programs are worthy replacements for Total Commander. They have all the necessary attributes to work with files of any type.

Total Commander is rightfully considered one of the best file managers, providing users with the full range of capabilities that a program of this type should have. But, unfortunately, the license terms of this utility require its paid use, after a month of free trial use. Are there any worthy free competitors? Total program Commander? Let's find out which other file managers are worthy of users' attention.

One of the most famous analogues of Total Commander is a file manager FAR Manager. This application is, in fact, a clone of the most popular file management program in the MS-DOS environment - Norton Commander, adapted for the Windows operating system. FAR Manager was created in 1996 by the famous programmer Evgeniy Roshal (format developer RAR archives and programs), and for some time really fought for market leadership with Total Commander. But then, Evgeniy Roshal switched his attention to other projects, and his brainchild for managing halyards gradually began to lag behind its main competitor.

Just like Total Commander, FAR Manager has a two-window interface, inherited from the Norton Commander application. This allows you to quickly and conveniently move files between directories and navigate through them. The program is capable of performing various manipulations with files and folders: deleting, moving, viewing, renaming, copying, changing attributes, performing group processing, etc. In addition, more than 700 plugins can be connected to the application, which significantly expand the functionality of FAR Manager.

Among the main disadvantages is the fact that the utility is still not developing as quickly as its main competitor - Total Commander. In addition, many users are deterred by the lack GUI the program, if there is only a console version.

FreeCommander

When translating the name of the FreeCommander file manager into Russian, it immediately becomes clear that it is intended for free use. The application also has a two-panel architecture, and its interface is very similar to the appearance of Total Commander, which is an advantage compared to the FAR Manager console interface. Distinctive feature application is the ability to launch it from removable media without installing it on a computer.

The utility has everything standard features file managers that were listed in the description of the FAR Manager program. In addition, it can be used to view and write ZIP and CAB archives, as well as read RAR archives. The 2009 version had a built-in FTP client.

It should be noted that currently the developers have abandoned the use of an FTP client in stable version program, which is a clear disadvantage in comparison with Total Commander. But those who wish can install the beta version of the application, which contains this function. Also, the disadvantage of the program in comparison with other file managers is the lack of technology for working with extensions.

Double Commander

Another representative of two-panel file managers is Double Commander, the first version of which was released in 2007. This program differs in that it can work not only on computers with the Windows operating system, but also on other platforms.

The application's interface is even more reminiscent of Total Commander's appearance than FreeCommander's design. If you want to have a file manager as close as possible to TC, we recommend that you pay attention to this utility. It not only supports all the basic functions of its more popular brother (copying, renaming, moving, deleting files and folders, etc.), but also works with plugins written for Total Commander. Thus, on this moment, this is the closest analogue. Double Commander can run all processes in the background. It supports working with a large number of archive formats: ZIP, RAR, GZ, BZ2, etc. In each of the two application panels, you can open several tabs if desired.

File Navigator

Unlike the two previous utilities, the appearance of the File Navigator program is more reminiscent of the FAR Manager interface than Total Commander. However, unlike FAR Manager, this file manager uses a graphical rather than a console shell. The program does not require installation and can work from removable media. Supporting the basic functions inherent in file managers, File Navigator can work with ZIP archives, RAR, TAR, Bzip, Gzip, 7-Zip, etc. The utility has a built-in FTP client. To increase the already quite advanced functionality, you can connect plugins to the program. But, nevertheless, the application is extremely easy for users to work with it.

At the same time, the disadvantages include the lack of synchronization of folders with FTP, and the presence of group renaming only using standard tools Windows.

Midnight Commander

The Midnight Commander application has a typical console interface, like the Norton Commander file manager. This is a utility unencumbered by unnecessary functionality, which, however, apart from standard features file managers can connect via FTP connection to the server. It was originally developed for UNIX-like operating systems, but over time it was adapted for Windows. This application will appeal to those users who value simplicity and minimalism.

At the same time, the lack of many features that users of more advanced file managers are accustomed to makes Midnight Commander a weak competitor to Total Commander.

Unreal Commander

Unlike previous programs, which do not have a particularly diverse interface, the Unreal Commander file manager has an original design, although not beyond the general design typology of two-panel programs. If desired, the user can choose one of several available options design of the utility.

Unlike appearance, functionality this application closely matches the capabilities of Total Commander, including support for similar plugins with extensions WCX, WLX, WDX and work with FTP servers. In addition, the application interacts with archives of the following formats: RAR, ZIP, CAB, ACE, TAR, GZ and others. There is a function that guarantees secure deletion of files (WIPE). In general, the utility is very similar in functionality to the Double Commander program, although their appearance is significantly different.

Among the disadvantages of the application, the fact that it loads the processor more than Total Commander, which negatively affects the speed of operation, stands out.
This is not a complete list of all possible free analogues of the Total Commander application. We have selected the most popular and functional of them. As you can see, if you wish, you can choose a program that would best suit your personal preferences and be close in functionality to Total Commander. However, no other program for the Windows operating system has yet managed to exceed the capabilities of this powerful file manager in most respects.

The Windows Store with minimalistic applications for Windows 8.1 and 10, which began work back in 2011, has evolved over the years latest versions The system not only did not destroy the market for desktop Windows programs, but, on the contrary, only emphasized their relevance. Alas, even now, after 6 years of operation of the store, high-quality and useful applications there is still quite a bit in it. More or less sensible applications from Windows Store, as a rule, are either created by Microsoft itself or by developers of paid web services. Or such applications are sold for money. One of the failed software niches presented in the Windows Store is file managers. Many of them are not even up to the level of Windows Explorer. File managers from the Windows Store, as a rule, do not allow the launch of EXE files, do not unpack archives, and generally offer only a minimum of capabilities for working with files. While the desktop file manager market can offer an abundance of products that are functionally oriented to different levels of users. Below we look at ten desktop file managers for Windows.

1.Total Commander

Total Commander is the most famous third-party file manager and an old-timer in the market of this type of software. This is a customizable file manager with a two-pane interface and extensive functionality– with a built-in archiver, file searcher, FTP client, functions for splitting/assembling files, group renaming of files, directory synchronization, with the ability to set internal file associations, with a customizable panel quick launch programs and Windows services, with support for plugins that expand functionality, with the ability to integrate portable software, etc. Total Commander – conditional free program. You can freely download and install it on your computer, and there is no time to pay for a license in the future.

2. Q-Dir

The lightweight free program Q-Dir is not as rich in functionality as Total Commander and its analogues. Q-Dir is better considered as a more convenient alternative to Windows Explorer with a customizable interface. The trick of this file manager is the variety of panel layout options. In the program window, you can configure as many as 4 panels displaying computer files, select the most appropriate option for a three-panel interface, or stop at standard choice two-panel windows. Q-Dir can be recommended to beginners because external resemblance With Windows Explorer.

3.Double Commander

Free file manager Double Commander is suitable for users computer devices based on different operating systems. This is a cross-platform product with a Linux-style design, for which it was originally created, and was subsequently ported to Windows and Mac systems. Double Commander – two-panel file manager, analogue of Total Commander, which supports working with the latter's plugins.

4.Multi Commander

Multi Commander is a two-pane file browser. It is free, lightweight, with a customizable interface, its own archiver, FTP client, the ability to configure internal file associations, support for add-ons, plugins and other features. Multi Commander is additionally equipped with separate functions for working with images, video and audio files.

Free NexusFile is a two-panel file manager with a nice, lightweight interface and three themes to choose from, its own archiver, FTP client, file shredder, and other functions.

6. Unreal Commander

Unreal Commander is a free file manager, practically a clone of Total Commander, only with a different interface design and the ability to change it by installing other themes and other icons on the quick access panel. Unlike Total Commander, Unreal Commander is also supplemented with built-in tools - the utility Reserve copy and download manager.

7.EF Commander

Functional file manager EF Commander - like Total Commander, this shareware program. And like the latter, EF Commander is an old-timer on the file manager market: the program was created back in 1994 for OS/2, and 2 years later it was ported to Windows. The program's features include customizing the interface, a number of functions for working with files, a built-in FTP client and archiver, working with plugins, convenient launching of individual regular functions Windows, etc.

8. Directory Opus

The shareware file browser Directory Opus is not as functional as Total Commander and its full-fledged analogues, but it has a friendly, flexible and customizable interface. Equipped with an FTP client, archiver, file searcher, duplicate file tracking, multimedia file viewer, image converter and slide show function.

9. omega

Shareware file manager oMega is another program that has only a small part of the capabilities that are presented in functional products like Total Commander. The oMega file manager is simple and usability-oriented: from a number of other file managers, it is distinguished by a convenient Ribbon interface - a ribbon interface with drop-down tabs and menu sections, as in Microsoft applications Office and other Microsoft products.

10. Just Manager

The free lightweight file manager Just Manager is similar in organization to Total Commander, however, the very name of the program contains a hint that it is more of a quick-fix tool, but not a solution for long-term and productive work. Just Manager is equipped with an FTP client and can offer basic file operations. It doesn't even have its own archiver.

But the creator of Just Manager took care of exporting and importing program settings. Whereas the same Total Commander with reinstalling Windows you either need to reconfigure or tinker with manual transfer settings file ".ini".

All 10 file managers reviewed support a Russian-language interface.

Have a great day!

The main window of Commander One almost completely replicates the design of the Total Commander interface. Two panels with a directory tree, a drop-down menu with a list of drives, buttons F3—F8 etc. Operations with files and folders using function keys work exactly the same as in Total Commander.

Mac users are accustomed to the fact that the function keys on it by default control iTunes, screen and keyboard brightness, volume, etc., and in order to use them like in Windows, you need to use the key Fn. Commander One allows you to temporarily disable OS X functionality for these keys when the program is open and in focus (if you minimize it, the keys behave as normal again). That is When using Commander One, the F1-F12 keys will behave the same as in Total Commander. If desired, this option can be disabled.

Just like Total Commander, Commander One has built-in file viewer with the support different types data.




Search files and directories in Commander One is carried out in two ways: using the Spotlight mechanism built into OS X and its own search, which works much slower, but covers the entire file system, can search for files in network drives and FTP servers and also has more search options including the use regular expressions and the number of levels of nesting of directories to search.

To search for files in hidden folders, you need to turn on the display hidden files and folders, otherwise Commander One ignores them when searching for files.

For those who are used to working in Midnight Commander, the developers of Commander One have provided quick access to the console by pressing CTRL+O.

Commander One, like Total Commander, can fulfill the role FTP client. In addition, you can connect cloud drives DropBox Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive and Amazon S3 and see them in the list of drives as local.

The list of servers is available by clicking CMD+F.

File permissions on FTP server edited by pressing a keyboard shortcut CMD+I.

For those who need to transfer files to multiple streams or to different servers, the ability to copy in the background with a keystroke is available F2.

Opinion

The idea to make it cool two-panel file manager for Mac, Eltima implemented it better than any of its competitors. People buying a Mac usually already have experience working with Windows and would like to see the programs they are already used to using on the Mac. With Commander One, you don't have to get used to the interface and working with the program again.

Like any product, Commander One is not without its shortcomings, some of which I would call critical:

  • No plugin support;
  • There is no way to compare and synchronize directories like in Total Commander. Forklift has this feature;
  • No bulk file renaming. Finder has had this for a long time, but for some reason the creators of Commander One decided that this feature was not needed by users;
  • Does not edit files on the FTP server;
  • It opens slowly and does not hide the icon in the Dock after closing the program.

Now about the benefits:

  • Available in the 8 most common languages;
  • Connection mobile devices on iOS And Android;
  • Connecting video and photo cameras;
  • There are both free and paid versions. Limitations of the free one - inability to work with FTP. Unfortunately, similar programs Forklift and CRAX Commander cannot boast of this;
  • Search in network folders and on the FTP server;
  • Saving passwords in the system keychain;
  • The most complete repetition of the Total Commander interface and at the same time maintaining the general style of applications for Mac.

Can Commander One be called the best analogue of Total Commander? I think so, especially considering free version. What do you think?