Nimble Commander is a full-fledged analogue of Total Commander for Mac. The best free analogues of the Total Commander file manager
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 to Total Commander? Let's find out which other file managers are worthy of users' attention.
One of the most famous analogues of Total Commander is the 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 Evgeny Roshal (developer of the RAR archive format and the program), and for some time it really competed 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 that the utility is still not developing as quickly as its main competitor - Total Commander. In addition, many users are put off by the lack of a graphical interface in the program, with only a console version available.
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. A distinctive feature of the application is the ability to launch it from removable media without installing it on a computer.
The utility has all the standard functions of file managers that were listed when describing 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 the stable version of the 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 is different 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, at the 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, RAR, TAR, Bzip, Gzip, 7-Zip, etc. archives. 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 use.
At the same time, among the disadvantages are the lack of synchronization of folders with FTP, and the availability of group renaming only using standard Windows tools.
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, in addition to the standard capabilities of file managers, can connect via an 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 design options for the utility.
In contrast to its appearance, the functionality of this application closely matches the capabilities of Total Commander, including support for similar plugins with WCX, WLX, WDX extensions 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.
Which I have been using for many years. Many people don't really like it because it reminds us of the DOS days. Some people find blue windows disgusting. No, not the functionality of the program, not its capabilities, but only the appearance. I fully admit that this may be the case with me for some things. Despite all the charms of such things, they may resemble something that I really disliked in the past and for this reason I may refuse to use such a thing.
Today I will talk about a free alternative to Total Commander called FreeCommander.
FreeCommender looks very similar to the famous Total Commander, but is still different both in appearance and in functionality. Externally, the program, like any other file manager, has two panels and a number of additional functionality. I will not go into details, I will just describe those moments that “hooked” me.
First of all, I liked the quick filter. Allows you to enter a part of the name of a file or folder to get a list of items that match the entered characters. A very convenient thing, especially when you need to find some files and make sure that others are not an eyesore. Unfortunately, there is no such thing in Far Manager.
I also liked the function of launching your favorite programs directly from the manager. You can install all related programs, configure them to launch correctly and launch them as needed directly from the file manager. This will free up space on the Quick Launch bar and desktop (if these programs are launched primarily after or while using the file manager). I really liked working with tabs on panels. You can take just one panel and work with it by adding several tabs. But you can also use two panels, each with several tabs. It is very convenient when you use some folders and need to constantly switch between them. For example, I open several copies of Far Manager in order to create several pairs of folders that I need to work with. Sometimes this is very annoying - the window buttons on the taskbar look the same, and you often confuse them when switching. You can also create several tabs and switch between them - all names are clearly visible in the tab header of the FreeCommander window.
You can add your own columns for display as a table, arrange them in the desired order, and even specify the width of these same columns. Unfortunately, Far Manager cannot boast of such properties. In addition, FreeCommander has such a wonderful thing as a customizable external editor. For each file type, I can customize the editor that I'm used to using.
It is also worth noting that there are a number of inconveniences that I encountered. Came across this as a Far Manager user. Most likely, this is just a matter of habit and in a couple of months I won’t even think about them. First of all, this is a toolbar with a large bunch of buttons. I must admit, I didn’t even understand what it was and why all this was needed - the pictures are small, I’m even too lazy to choose something among them. Out of habit, I only use the keyboard when working with such programs. I can do everything with the mouse and in Explorer with larger buttons on the toolbar. The nice thing is that I can just cut off all these panels. But I still have to spend some time adapting to the program, because the keyboard control of the program is slightly different from Far Manager. The hands do something themselves, but in FreeCommander it simply doesn’t work for the simple reason that these keys do something else, or nothing is done.
In any case, whether to use it or not is a personal matter. My job is to talk about the program, which is what I did.
The Windows Store with minimalist applications for Windows 8.1 and 10, which began operating back in 2011, over the years of development of the latest versions of 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 operating the store, there are still quite a few high-quality and useful applications in it. More or less sensible applications from the 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. Whereas 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, an old-timer in the market of this type of software. This is a customizable file manager with a two-panel 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 quick launch panel for programs and services Windows, with support for plugins that expand functionality, with the ability to integrate portable software, etc. Total Commander is a shareware 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 suitable option for a three-panel interface, or choose the standard window of two panels. Q-Dir can be recommended to beginners due to its resemblance to Windows Explorer.
3.Double Commander
The free file manager Double Commander is suitable for users of 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 is a two-panel file manager, an 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 - a backup utility and a download manager.
7.EF Commander
Functional file manager EF Commander - like Total Commander, this is a 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 standard Windows functions, 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 its convenient Ribbon interface - a ribbon interface with drop-down tabs and menu sections, as in Microsoft Office applications and other Microsoft products.
10. Just Manager
The free lightweight file manager Just Manager is similar in organization to Total Commander, but 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, when reinstalling Windows, you need to either configure it again or tinker with manually transferring the “.ini” settings file.
All 10 file managers reviewed support a Russian-language interface.
Have a great day!
On the Internet you can find an excellent program called Total Commander, which applies to Windows and Android platforms. This utility is a file manager and allows you to easily manage your files.
The program was officially released back in 1993, making it one of the first file managers for Windows. You can download it from the developer's official website. It is distributed in Russian, so it is an ideal option for all users.
Another big plus is that it is available for mobile devices running Android. But what if the program doesn't work or you don't want to use it? Especially for you, we have compiled a list of Total Commander analogues. There are quite a lot of such programs. Today we will look at some of them.
Analogues of Total Commander
Some programs will be listed and briefly described below. Among all the variety, you can choose exactly the option that is ideal for achieving a particular goal.
WinRar
When we think about file managers, an equally popular analogue, Total Commander, comes to mind. WinRar is not just a file manager. Yes, and it’s difficult to call it that way the first time. After all, this program is also an archiver.
The utility requires the purchase of a license after the trial period has expired. However, you can still use it. This is a good replacement that almost every Windows user owns.
FreeCommander
This is a free analogue of Total Commander, which is very similar to it - it is practically a “twin brother”. Suitable for users who do not want to deal with Total. This program also has a built-in FTP client, which is a great help for people who own websites or servers. It has an official website through which it is recommended to download this program.
Analogue of Total Commander for Linux
If you are a happy user of this operating system, but do not know which replacement to choose, then here is a small list of programs for you. They will help you in your everyday affairs.
It's been a long time since we've had open source Linux software. This program is a replacement for Total, which is also suitable for other operating systems, which makes it universal compared to other analogues. This property is also one of the most important.
Another advantage is that at any time you can install plugins that are present in Total Commander. For example, these are WCX, WDX and WLX. They open up very large opportunities and expand their list. A very good feature of this software is that it is free.
The developer of this program has an official website. It is recommended to download the utility from it, since there is no risk of infecting your computer with viruses.
It's easy to download, but installing the software can be a little difficult. To do this, you need to follow several steps. If you are “friendly” with computers, this will be easy to do.
1. Add a repository in which our program is stored.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alexx2000/doublecmd
2. We receive the latest list of updates.
sudo apt-get update
3. Install the program.
sudo apt-get install doublecmd-gtk
Ready. After this, you can safely use your program.
This, in turn, is an excellent analogue of Total Commander for Ubuntu. This program has everything you need to use it in everyday circumstances. This software is open source, distributed free of charge, and the developer has an official website. I would also like to note that this is a console file manager, which can be installed using the command. It must be entered into the terminal.
sudo apt-get install mc
After this, the software installation process will begin. Wait for it to finish. After this you can run the program.
What about security?
All programs have official websites or repositories through which you can (even need) to download installation files. They are virus-free, latest version, no SMS and registration. This is very convenient, so hardly anyone can make a mistake. It’s just important not to confuse it with a trick by virus creators.
Conclusion
Many people are looking for analogues of Total Commander, and our article will help them quickly resolve this issue. Above was a small list of programs that will help replace the “old man”. Of course, these are not all analogues of “Total” that exist. But they are the most popular, functional, safe and convenient for daily use by users for any purpose.
Let's talk about the FreeCommander program. Why is it needed? I searched and found 7 similar programs. Three I tested and I'll tell you what FreeCommander is a free analogue of Total Commander (freesoft) and a good file manager. The program weighs only 2.5 megabytes and works quickly. The program interface is cute and not intimidating! I suggest you download the program and the help file for it on this page.
Why free software is now in price. At my work, my bosses are afraid to install licensed programs. You have to pay for a license. Free Commander saves time and nerves. He cannot compare with his beloved total commander. He is too good and unpretentious.
I would like to immediately recommend that you move F1 F2 F3, etc. to the bottom. Some teams have been preserved as in total commander. For example, tab - moving around windows. Read the help file right away. Miscellaneous -> Options -> View -> Function Key Bar.
Key Features of FreeCommander
The panels interact during file operations. This means that file copying and moving operations affect both panels. You can easily move between panels using the Tab key. The display on both panels may be different, but if there is a need to place the same directory on both, this can be easily done using the hotkeys Alt+Left / Alt+Right. Each panel has its own history, opened by Alt+Down. This makes it possible to quickly navigate through directories that were recently opened. Alt+G opens a dialog to navigate to the desired directory. It will appear on the active panel. Before you select Copy, Move, View..., you must move the cursor to at least one element in the active panel.
Hotkeys
F3 show the selected file in the Viewer window. F4 open Editor (configurable). F5 copy selected files/directories to the opposite panel. F6 move selected files/directories to the opposite panel. F7 create a new directory. F8 delete selected files/directories (with a confirmation dialog, of course). Ctrl+T allows you to display the Tree in the active panel.
Select Russian from the list if you speak English. Miscellaneous -> Settings -> General.
Download the freecommander program with a help file from the official website!
