The best OSX file manager by Wojciech Adam Koszek ⋅ Jan 18, 2017 ⋅ Menlo Park, CA Shuffling files on OSX doesn't have to be hard if you have the right tool. I show you the motivation behind the research on file managers I've done and show you my favorite tool. Note that many of these protocols might be supported, in part or in whole, by software layers below the file manager, rather than by the file manager itself; for example, the Mac OS X Finder doesn't implement those protocols, and the Windows Explorer doesn't implement most of them, they just make ordinary file system calls to access remote.
Click to viewIf you're any sort of power user, you've bumped up against the limitations of your operating system's default file manager on countless occasions. The fact is, for advanced file browsing and manipulation, sometimes the default applications—like Windows Explorer or Mac OS X Finder—just don't cut it. On Tuesday you shared your favorite alternative file managers, and today we're back with the five most popular answers. Keep reading for a closer look at the five best alternative file managers, then vote for your file manager of choice.
Best Alternative File Managers?
UPDATE: Check out the five best file managers for the results of this Hive Five. If there's…
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Xplorer2 (Windows, Freeware/Shareware)
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Xplorer2 offers a dual-paned interface (plus file tree) with support for tabbed file browsing, bookmarks, FTP access, advanced file filtering, and a robust set of keyboard shortcuts. Xplorer2 comes in both freeware and shareware versions ($30 for Xplorer2 Pro). There's even a portable version of Xplorer2 Lite (the free version) available, so you can drop it on your thumb drive and take this powerful file manager with you wherever you go. For a more detailed rundown, check out how you can replace Windows Explorer with Xplorer2.
FreeCommander (Windows, Freeware)
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FreeCommander boasts many of the same features as the rest, but it also stands out because it's the only app we're featuring that's entirely free. That means you'll still see features like dual-paned file browsing, seamless ZIP and other archive support, tabbed interface, built-in file viewer and FTP, and all the rest of the goods that make these apps stand out above and beyond Windows Explorer, and you're never stuck with a limited version. It also boasts a huge collection of hotkeys for the keyboard junkie. (Original post)
XYplorer (Windows, Shareware)
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XYPlorer is a completely portable file manager with most of the same bells and whistles as the rest. The major difference is that XYPlorer doesn't offer a dual-pane interface; instead its tabbed interface allows you to drag and drop files from your current window to any tab, giving it similar functionality to dual-pane. It's a keyboard lover's dream, complete with user-defined shortcuts for nearly any task you want to perform with your file manager. It also supports previewing virtually any filetype, including most popular image, audio, and video formats (even FLV files you downloaded from YouTube). XYPlorer is available as a free 30-day trial version, costs $30 for a license.
Total Commander (Windows, Shareware)
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Total Commander features side-by-side file-browsing panes, enhanced file search, built-in FTP, archive management, and file comparing tools. Previously known as Windows Commander, this application stands out for its extensibility, boasting a sizable list of add-ons. Total Commander is available as a month-long demo and costs $38 after that. If you've got a PocketPC, you can get the Total Commander goods for free with previously mentioned Total Commander Pocket.
Directory Opus (Windows, Shareware)
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Directory Opus, aka DOpus, is a shareware file manager. Like the rest, DOpus boasts dual-pane browsing along with several other views, tabbed windows, integrated archive support, and built-in FTP. Its preview pane stood out in my trial, including full support for viewing photos and even editing your MP3 metadata. Directory Opus is shareware, costs $85 for a single license. You've got a 60-day trial to decide if it's worth the extra cash.
Now that you've seen the five most popular, it's time to vote for your favorite.
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Which Is the Best Alternative File Manager? ( surveys)
Our top five spots all went to Windows apps, but honorable mention goes to Path Finder, a Mac OS X-only replacement for Finder.
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If we left out a favorite must-have feature of your file manager or you just want to sing its praises, let's hear about it in the comments.
Top 5 Password Managers for Mac Revised
Today’s online life has brought great benefits to the average person. However, it has also created some extra complications. One of them is the massive amount of passwords that people need to manage. Password managers for Mac are apps designed to reduce this burden, as they help the user to store and organize passwords. Here below is a review of the top fivepassword managers available on the market.
1. 1Password
1Password is a commercial tool, with the option of a free 30-day trial. As its name indicates, the idea behind this password keeper for Mac is for the user to remember only one password, called master password, and which allows access to the app’s database. Once access is granted, all other passwords are managed via 1Password. This software uses strong AES-256 encryption to store the passwords.
In addition, the database can be accessed through mobile devices, using fingerprints and PIN codes. The database is very comprehensive, allowing for the storage of passwords, PIN codes, documents, credit card details, and more. The software is integrated with web browsers, and can help the user in creating passwords for online accounts, filling in credit card details, personal forms, etc.
In brief, 1Password is a very complete Mac password manager, which helps the user in reducing the burden created by having to deal with many passwords.
2. Dashlane
Dashlane is a password manager app and a secure digital wallet. It comes as a Freemium, which means that this is basically a free password manager Mac, which can be upgraded to a Premium version. In this case, the Premium version is very good, as it allows the user to handle an unlimited number of devices, supported by different platforms, in a sync manner.
Access to Dashlane is efficient, as it is done by a single master password, which is never recorded nor transmitted. Data is stored using AES-256 encryption. Other features include automatic password generation, two-factor authentication, secure backup, a dashboard, and security breach alerts. In addition, the developer publishes Security Roundup, a quarterly report on security policy analysis.
Together with the password manager, the app provides a digital wallet, where the user can store credit card information, bank account details, IDs and several other personal details, which can later be used to automatically fill in online forms. Its efficiency and ease of use prompted the New York Times to describe Dashlane as one of the best password managers for Mac.
Concisely, Dashlane is an excellent option as a Mac password manager. Both, its combined features and efficiency stand out in a very competitive market.
3. LastPass
LastPass is a password manager Mac developed by LogMeIn, Inc. It is a commercial software application that it is offered for free, with a Premium paid option for many computers. It works with OS X, iOS and Android.
Best File Managers For Android Tablets
This Mac password manager has several interesting features such as the capacity to auto-populate passwords in web sites, and personal information in forms. This is complemented with a site sharing option.
In addition, it comes with a password generator, which helps the user to find more secure combinations of characters. It also has the capacity to check if a password has already been used. On the downside, the developer was admittedly hacked in 2015, and some master passwords stolen. Later in 2016, some anomalies were found.
Overall, this is a good free password manager Mac that can be used in a computer with confidence and efficiency.
4. KeepassX
KeepassX is probably the best password manager for Mac that is open source and for free. This app is basically an encrypted database of passwords, which comes in two versions: portable and installable.
In addition, it has certain built-in extra capabilities, such as password generation, and the capacity to add third-party plug-ins and tools. This feature has generously extended its functionality to many devices, browsers and platforms.
Thus, this password manager, has profited from the open-source community-based approach, and although being originally primarily for Windows and named Keepass, it has extended its domain to OS X supported devices, and has become a multi-platform app.
In summary, KeepassX has grown, based on its open source licensing, resulting in a valid option for today’s Mac users, who are supporters of the open source approach.
5. Keychain
This password manager Mac was developed by Apple and it is included in OS X. It is basically a database that contains passwords, private keys, certificates, and secure notes.
Passwords of different types can be stored, such as for websites, FTP servers, SSH accounts, wireless protocols, encrypted disk images and more. A nice feature of this password keeper for Mac is that access to the database can be done by the login password. Otherwise, a different password can be used. Keychain does not accept an empty password.
The app comes with a GUI and a command line version, providing a choice to different users’ tastes. Keychain’s files are stored in ~/Library/Keychains, /Library/Keychains/, and /Network/Library/Keychains/. Apple introduced a password management service called iCloud Keychain in 2013. This service basically reintroduces the MobileMe Keychain syncing function, and it can be accessed via iOS and OS X. It stores the values using a 256-bit AES encryption algorithm.
Generally speaking, Keychain offers a free option to the Mac user, as the app comes with the operating system. Besides, as with most of Apple’s products, Keychain is characterized by its user-focused design, which is an important attraction for the typical Mac’s fan.