Disk navigator Editor's Review

Disk Navigator is a 32 bit file management application with multiple tools and functions which can be used as an alternative to Windows Explorer.

The feature which caught my attention from the very beginning is the fact that you have the option to change the interface of the program: you can either use the original display (two "Windows Explorer" panels on top of each other) or a two panel window, similar to Total Commander, or a single panel display, similar to Windows Explorer.

If you use the program in a two panel interface, either vertically or horizontally arranged, you get to see that you can manage your files easier, in terms of a better view of your data: you can see both the source folders and the target when copying or moving folders. The program has included buttons for quick opening the root directory, 'My computer', 'My Documents', 'Recycle Bin', etc. You can use the context menu, but there is no option for creating new files or folders from the context menu.

The tools section contains shortcuts to the 'Control Panel', 'Add/Remove Programs' and 'System' settings. You can run programs and open DOS command line applications. Other tools worth mentioning:
The 'Image Viewer' which allows you to open a large variety of files, starting with BMP, ICO, CUR formats and ending with Jpeg2000 and Video For Windows. Images can be viewed on local disks or acquired from TWAIN sources (camera, scanner).
The Notepad include tools and features enough to make a pretty good word editor: fonts and paragraphs can be customised, you can insert objects, special characters, date/time, preview documents before printing, etc.

Pluses: Lots of useful features, tools and shortcuts. FTP support included. A browser is also included (based on Internet Explorer's engine), but it is limited to the basic functions, and it doesn't provide and advanced browsing experience

Drawbacks / flaws: The 'Show Colors' button in the 'Notepad' isn't working.

In conclusion: A very good alternative to the Windows shell. One should give it a try.

version reviewed: 3.1.0