14 DAY TRIAL // Today we've got a file manager on the table. File managers also go by the name of file browsers and they are software that creates an interface between the user and the files stored on the computer. Thus, they speed up the file access and also keep the files in a certain order (e.g. by name, size).
There are lots of file managers on the market, but very few of them are good. The most famous of them seems to be Total Commander. But we're going to talk about some other file browser.
RageWork is a Java powered cross-platform file browser designed to manage files and folders on your computer. The software is a product of Softrage and, unfortunately, is a shareware that costs $34, but it has almost all the necessary features for competing with the best on the market.
The interface is easy to use and not at all complicated. It offers a dual-pane view with the possibility to open different drives in each pane, but, if you are a windows explorer fan, you can switch the view to a single pane.
The files are ordered by name, and you also have the possibility to order them by size, extension or by date. No matter which folder or drive you navigate, you can always move, copy, rename or other file functions independently in each pane.
When browsing in a picture folder, at hovering the mouse over a file, RageWorks will give you a preview. And if you click the preview image it'll open in a new window. The preview window shows the complete name of the file and its resolution. The built-in image viewer will also display the name of the file and the resolution but, in addition, it will also show the path of the file.
In the upper part of the window you will find part of the usual arsenal of an application; up to Tools menu everything is in place, then you have Navigate (shortcuts to Desktop, My Network Places and My Documents), the Virtual folder menu (here you can create shortcuts of really deep and often used folders), Internet (make FTP/FTPS, SFTP connections) and the Hidden menu.
Right underneath the toolbar menu we have some kind of shortcuts for the File Explorer (open as many tabs of file explorer as you want ? I stopped at 32), Internet, Editor (opens a text editing window, which can be enlarged to single pane view) and a Backup tab.
The lower part of the interface has the typical file manager tools: rename, open with, copy, move, new (for folders ? other file managers have this option for files also) and delete. Another good side is that these functions have the keyboard shortcuts displayed for more advanced keyboard fan users. Unfortunately, only copy (Ctrl+C) and paste (Ctrl+V) classic keyboard shortcuts are available. The cut (Ctrl+X)shortcut is not supported (a useful tool for some users).
RageWork also includes search and quick search options. The quick search tool allows you to find very fast a file in a long list displayed in the pane. A status tab will indicate the properties of the drive (size, free space).
The archival possibilities are .zip, .tar, .tar.gz and .tar.bz2. and you can apply filters, exclude certain folders (batch archiving).
The Good
It has a user-friendly interface that does not give you a headache trying to find a certain option or button. The fact that is a cross-platform software definitely constitutes an advantage.
The built-in image viewer and the preview are something new for this type of application and, in my opinion, their utility is not at all questionable.
One has to appreciate the fact that it preserved the copy and paste shortcuts and the fact that the interface is very familiar (dual-windowed and with the basic file functions at the bottom, just like in Norton and Total Commander.)
FTP connection also represents an advantage.
The Bad
The software is way overpriced. Although the interface is very nice, the software lacks certain tools that would make users' life easier (multi-rename tool, display options, etc.). Drag and drop is very difficult to use from one window to another, and in some cases does not work at all (dragging a file to the toolbar).
The search option remains a bit in the blur, as I could not find what I was interested in (had some trouble with the file name patterns and text in the file options).
Be careful with the .odt files, as I could not open them. With the .doc files I had absolutely no problem at all.
An active help menu for the shareware version would have made a more clear picture about the software.
The Truth
RageWork definitely deserves your attention as it has some worthy options. It has a long run until it reaches the level of utility and refinement other file managers have, but it is on its way there. It's a pity it costs $34 and has an evaluation period of only 15-days. It is worth trying it though.
All this being said, I recommend it for using, be it for only 15 days, because thus you can better choose the software to use for the future.
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
