Directory Monitor

Being able to accurately manage and monitor directories and key pathways can be vital for maintaining a computers health and functionality. Directory Monitor is an application that allows users to monitor a single directory at a time, which then sends alerts to the user any time something changes within the directory path or the subdirectories.

The standard interface of Directory Monitor presents user with an almost bare interface with little to no buttons on it. The design is reminiscent of a file explorer window only with much less on display. A file tree is displayed on the left, with the rest being almost entirely empty, with the exception of buttons for starting and stopping the monitoring process, settings, save and a clear option.

The straightforward display means that users will be able to instantly use the application, even those who are unfamiliar with how it might work or how directories work. The buttons are all self explanatory and while Directory Monitor includes no real help documentation, its design means that it doesn't really need any.

Since the interface is so basic and in theory, so is the program, there is not much room or need for additional options or features with Directory Monitor. While some options on the alerts would be welcomed, since it provides no way to customize them in any way, the program provides what it needs to.

The Settings window presents users with a range of different options that would trigger alerts, from minor things like a change in a file name, to more advanced changes like a change in the security settings. The application also presents an option just to scan the specific folder / directory, or the entire subfolder tree.

Directory Monitor is a versatile application that might appear basic on first glance, but can actually be used to perform a range of different types of monitoring functions. While it could be improved in a few ways, it is not obviously flawed and, all in all, users will be satisfied with how Directory Monitor operates.