FileWatcher

There are various files on your computer that get updated on a daily basis. Certain situations might even require you to keep an eye on changes that occur. This is exactly what FileWatcher wants to take over from you, providing a neat set of features with which to keep multiple directories under surveillance and receive notifications when files are moved or removed.

Running the application brings up a well-organized interface, with a few steps you need to take found in tabs. The process is straightforward, with most requirements having you pick directories to keep under watch, and an operation to perform when changes are detected.

Sadly, you can't simply drag target directories over the main window, but importing is easy enough through the implemented explorer. Not everything is monitored by default, with options to be on the lookout for new, updated or deleted files.

You can set a refresh interval and whether or not to watch subfolders as well. If you're only interested in a single type of file, the application lets you specify extensions of interest, or simply let it notify you for every event.

What's frustrating is that there are not preset commands, and it's mandatory that you provide an application or command to be launched when an alert is triggered. This can be any executable or script file, with the possibility to also add parameters and test out functionality.

You can go deeper into customizing the set of rules. The command launched on alerts can be triggered in a few different methods, such as once for every file or for a whole list. You can also add another command to be executed in case no changes are detected for a specific amount of time.

In case you work with multiple folders, a notes feature lets you write down important bits of text. Every performed action is kept track of in a real time updating log. It can either be cleaned at the press of a button or saved to file for later use.

Taking everything into consideration, we can say that FileWatcher is a practical application overall and comes in handy when you really need to know the moment an update arrives or something happens to files in your personal folder. It could do with at least a few preset alerts, be them simple sounds, but the features it comes with and simplicity make it worth a try.