Windows Explorer has always seemed like a part of a small car’s toolkit: perfectly usable, but limited to the basic functions. Over the years, Microsoft has repeatedly revised the software and added a search function that, upon closer inspection, proves to be surprisingly complex. However, the operating concept of Explorer is still not intuitive and tends to hinder smooth working. Software companies and independent developers therefore seized their opportunity early on and presented alternatives for more powerful file managers, which are often referred to as “commanders.” There are two different types of file managers: On the one hand, there are programs which, like Windows Explorer, only offer one window. They are clearer as there are fewer control elements such as icons and menus. On the other hand, you will also find many programs that work with a two-window view. In this case, you’ll have to first find your way around the interface, but they make copying processes easier. Free Commander XE Free Commander is available in 32- and 64-bit versions. However, only the 32-bit version is free to use. Free Commander combines its functions in a modern, largely self-explanatory interface. Free Commander The program features a dual-window view, with tabs in each window that provides one-click access to available drives. The layout has large, modern-looking icons, the design of which makes it easy to deduce the assigned function. Free Commander also includes commands for packing and unpacking ZIP files, for synchronizing two folders, or for changing attributes and timestamps. A convenient option allows you to set favorite folders for quicker access. Multi Commander The developers of Multi Commander are also fans of two-window technology. Their file manager is available in 32- and 64-bit versions as well as a portable version that lets you copy onto a USB stick. Multi Commander helps you work productively with numerous auxiliary tools such as batch renaming.Multi Commander Using the mouse and keyboard differs slightly from Windows Explorer, so there may be a short adjustment period. However, Multi Commander is a fast and extremely feature-rich tool. It can, for instance, rename multiple files in one go, edit metadata in audio and video files, create backups of files and folders, and even play audio files directly within the file manager. Multi Commander is by far the most comprehensive of the free tools. The SE version, which is available in the Microsoft Store, has the advantage of automatic updates. Double Commander Double Commander comes from the open source scene. The program is available in 32- and 64-bit versions as well as portable versions. Double Commander combines a wide range of features with fast, easy usability.Double Commander The concept of the user interface is reminiscent of Free Commander: tab bars are arranged above the two windows, allowing you to quickly switch to the installed drives. A special feature of the program is that it can create symlinks, i.e. symbolic links to files and folders, as well as hard links. Additional functions include calculating and verifying checksums, synchronizing folders, splitting large files, and, of course, all the usual commands for marking, copying, and moving files. The interface, with its small icons, is not as clear as the one in Free Commander, but it adheres to Windows standards and is therefore quickly understood. One Commander One Commander leaves it up to the user to decide whether they prefer to work with a single or dual-window view. The buttons at the bottom of the program window allow you to switch the view quickly. One Commander mirrors Windows Explorer’s functionality but adds a customizable two-window view.One Commander The program is also flexible in other ways. For example, it offers a dark mode and an download alternative icon packages from the website upon request. Its operation is similar to Windows Explorer. Folders and files can be copied and cut via the right-click context menu. Marking is done by pressing the Shift or Ctrl keys while clicking. One Commander offers direct access to the OneDrive folder and remembers which folders were last opened in a history. Overall, however, the feature set doesn’t extend much beyond what you’re used to in Windows Explorer. The main advantage of One Commander is its dual-window view. Paid file managers In addition to the free program, there are also paid options for file management. Here are some of the most notable ones: Total Commander: A long-standing classic in the field, Total Commander still impresses with its clear, dual-pane layout and features such as an FTP and LAN client, an advanced search function, and built-in archive support. SpeedCommander: This is the second major classic among file managers. It can connect to network drives and FTP servers and includes a link to the Windows formatting function. The dual-pane interface is clear and well-structured, and drives can be accessed directly via buttons. XYplorer: XYplorer adopts the single-pane style of Windows Explorer but includes an option to display a second pane. It expands the Explorer feature set with scripting capabilities and lets you add files and folders to a favorites list. The paste function is also significantly enhanced—for instance, copied files can be pasted directly as ZIP archives to a chosen location. Although the program may seem modest at first glance, its full potential becomes clear with continued use. XYplorer supports one or two windows and features scripting and a folder favorites list.Xyplorer Q-Dir The Q in Q–Dir stands for Quad, indicating the most outstanding feature of the program. It opens four windows at the start, which you can then arrange horizontally and vertically in various patterns or reduce it to three or two. Q-Dir’s standout feature is its four-window interface, with design and controls highly customizable to your preferences.IDG The functionality of this free software largely mirrors that of Windows Explorer. For example, Q-Dir uses Windows file manager’s context menu. However, users can customize the layout and the visible elements to a much greater extent than in Explorer. As an added feature, Q-Dir offers the option of making folders quickly accessible via a favorites list. Common Windows Windows tools such as the command prompt or PowerShell can be accessed directly from the file manager, and the software can also print folder structures and start scanning processes. File Voyager The manufacturer of File Voyager advertises the program as the “Swiss Army knife of file management” to emphasize its comprehensive functionality. File Voyager stands out with a modern two-window interface and built-in audio, photo, and video viewers.File Voyager However, the range of functions is actually not that extensive. What is impressive about the software is the modern interface with its three-dimensional controls, clear organization, and two-window view. Like the programs from Microsoft’s Office suite, File Voyager works with ribbons instead of menus. If you click on a menu, a new ribbon appears with new commands. Below the ribbons is a small bar that you can use to send the selected files to TeamViewer, to the installed mail program, to the Documents folder, to the desktop, to a zipped folder, or to a device paired via Bluetooth. However, not all of these shortcuts worked in our test. In addition to the usual commands for selecting, copying and moving files, File Voyager comes with an extensive selection of viewers and its own pack function. It also includes its own audio and video players, which play the selected files in one pane to be previewed in the other. The developers have adopted the required codecs from the open source player VLC. The image and video preview can also be enlarged to full screen. File Voyager is one of the best, if not the best, free Explorer alternative on the market. However, the good impression is spoilt by an instability that was observed several times in our test. For example, the tool often pauses for a long time or even freezes when reading drive or folder contents. File manager for Android File managers aren’t just available for Windows, they’re also used on smartphone and tablets. Due to the smaller screen size, their layout looks different, and dual-pane views are rare. However, the core features are usually there. Google Files: Google’s file manager comes pre-installed on all newer Android devices. It displays the most recently viewed files on the start page and organizes the files on the smartphone into the categories “Downloads,” “Images,” “Videos,” “Audio,” “Documents,” and “Apps.” The user can also mark files as favorites or move them to a secure folder, which they can protect with a PIN or pattern. The device’s file system can be accessed through “Internal storage,” while “Other storage” provides access to cloud services like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox. Total Commander: Unlike its Windows counterpart, Total Commander for Android is free of charge. The app provides all the necessary file actions and can also organize the files according to various criteria such as size or creation date. Photos can be edited directly in the app. Files can also be sent directly to other network devices using the small WLAN transfer add-on program. X-plore: This file manager offers a wide range of functions: it can create ZIP archives, serve as an FTP server and Wi-Fi access point, and access network shares. If desired, the app can create a password-protected vault for storing sensitive data and access the most important cloud services. The only point of criticism are the small icons with barely legible labels. Total Commander’s Android app is free yet offers a wide range of features.IDG Read...

The Smart Bird Feeder from TT Nature is ideal whether you want to connect with nature or inspire a new hobby. It supports the backyard birdwatching experience with up-to-date technology, such as solar power, Wi-Fi-supported real-time notifications, and AI bird recognition that identifies over 10,000 species. Built to Last, Designed to Share Staring at an empty bird feeder, hoping for a bird visit? No need to wait, this smart bird feeder will notify you when a bird arrives. The HD camera provides clear footage, allowing you to marvel at the bright patterns on the wings of a cardinal or the delicate colors of a goldfinch. The AI bird recognition feature helps to accurately identify the bird that is visiting the feeder. The TT Nature bird feeder can serve as your personal bird identification guide, identifying species including cardinal, downy woodpecker, rare migratory birds, and more. Additionally, with Wi-Fi, it supports video recording and sharing. The bird feeder supports up to 20 users at once, making it ideal for large families or birdwatching communities. TT Nature Long battery life means you won’t miss a bird. This feeder is equipped with a solar panel for long operation time. The 1.5-liter capacity reduces the frequency of water refilling, making it suitable for people with a busy life. Setting it up is simple. It offers a video tutorial to guide you through each step. Even if you’re new to bird feeders, you can start using it right away with confidence. Birdwatching Brings Nature Closer Already thinking about gifts this Christmas, and looking for a meaningful gift for your bird-loving loved one? The TT Nature Smart Feeder is more than just a gadget, it’s a ticket to tranquility, curiosity, and link-building with mother nature. With a customer rating of 4.96 out of 5, this product has been recognized by the market. Feeding birds is more than just a hobby. As Paul Baicich, co-author of Feeding America’s Wild Birds, says: “It introduces people to nature — in their backyard. It’s the intermediate step between sitting around the house and actually going out to a national wildlife refuge,” according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  Feeding both native and migratory birds has ecological benefits. Studies have found that populations of species like northern cardinals have expanded their range due to the support of reliable backyard feeders during harsh winters. TT Nature Be a Responsible Feeder Backyard bird feeding should be approached with care and responsibility, not just as a casual hobby. Experts warn that three main risks of irresponsible bird feeding are: disease, predation, and collision. Dirty feeders and unclean food can lead to the growth of bacteria. Moldy seeds and bird feces build the growing environment for salmonella and E. coli. Once a bird is infected, the droppings can eventually spread the disease to other local birds. It is best to clean feeders every two weeks. More frequent cleaning is also recommended during the rainy season. TT Nature That’s why maintenance matters. TT Nature recommends cleaning your feeder every few weeks, and always washing your hands after handling it. The feeder’s easy-to-clean design makes this part of bird-loving life just as seamless. How to Clean Your Bird Feeder A smart feeder can make birdwatching and recording easy. Keeping it clean ensures local birds stay healthy. Here are some simple cleaning tips to guide you on cleaning your bird feeder. You should completely disassemble your bird feeder before cleaning it. You can simply soak it in boiling water and hand wash it with soap when it cools down. For a deeper clean, you can also soak it in a diluted bleach solution for 10 minutes. After cleaning, rinse the bird feeder thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before assembling the feeder. Clean up trash and droppings around the bird feeder. The accumulation of bird droppings can attract rodents and even pose a threat to outdoor pets. If you wish to see your visitors more often, keeping the space clean and comfortable is the trick. TT Nature Birdwatching isn’t just about the birds. It’s about slowing down and reconnecting. For lifelong enthusiasts or just the newbies, the TT Nature Smart Bird Feeder with Camera invites you to witness the wonders within your own backyard. TT Nature believes “Nature always has something to say if we are willing to listen.” Rather than just building bird feeders, TT Nature is blending modern tech with a scientific understanding of birding and building bridges between humans and the natural world. This holiday season, give a gift that takes your recipient back to mother nature: get this bird feeder with camera for just $129.99 on the TT Nature website. Read...

This may come as a surprise: Though I work at PCWorld, I don’t build computers. Well, I can. I have. But it’s one thing to buy a few thousand dollars’ worth of parts and then build a desktop on a budget that’s not my own, versus plonking down several hundred precious dollars and messing around inside of a desktop when I have several perfectly good laptops very nearby and might screw it all up. Plus my wife says that I have to run to Costco. Enter the Framework Desktop. If you have the time, money, and desire, you can build a desktop PC from scratch! It’s fun and rewarding. For the suburban parent who will happily change their wiper blades but not their oil, the Framework Desktop offers configurability for little effort. Building an Ikea bookshelf is complicated compared to this. Framework has sold multiple generations of its laptops, all with the same goal in mind: offer the flexibility of a desktop, but inside a laptop form factor. But a desktop poses a different challenge: How do you keep up with a desktop that is already configurable almost down to the screws? Here, I would say that Framework dodged the question. But that’s kind of immaterial, since the result is a highly detailed, simplified process of putting together a desktop PC. The easiest Desktop you`ll ever build Framework Desktop Best Prices Today: $2515 at Framework The Framework Desktop ships in either a pre-built or DIY Edition. I reviewed the latter, and you’ll see more photos and a performance evaluation in a separate article. This story focuses just on the build process, to show you what it’s like to put it together. And it doesn’t get easier than this. Building the Framework Desktop: Out of the box I remain convinced that two opposing forces are always pulling on my psyche: my father’s German ancestry, which finds a deep satisfaction in engineering and then executing the proper solution; and my mother’s Irish roots, which simply asks the question, Does it work? If the answer is yes, then it’s off to the pub. Framework satisfies both. The Framework Desktop is all packed together, with each part encased in a labeled, cardboard box. Note the scannable HTML glyph that links to the manual.Mark Hachman / Foundry For one, Framework has the most well-documented manual I can recall seeing. And that’s weird, because the DIY Edition requires hardly any effort. There’s so little “D” in the “I,” I almost wanted more. Even Framework says that putting it all together should take about 45 minutes. That seems insanely long. I took about 30, not only because I was worried I’d make a mistake but also because I have the manual dexterity of a golden retriever. Essentially, the DIY Edition is a flat-packed PC. All of it ships inside a box, inside which are more boxes: the case, the CPU fan, the side panel, colored tiles, an SSD (assuming you ordered one), the power cable, and that’s about it. Ikea provides an Allen wrench; Framework gives you a long two-headed, reversible screwdriver with a Torx and a Phillips head. On one of the boxes is a link to the manual, which you can leave open on your phone or tablet. (You can follow along what I did, here.) There really aren’t that many parts. Framework even included a prototype handle (center, bottom) which I didn’t use.Mark Hachman / Foundry Each step is almost excessively documented, with multiple photos describing each of the 45 steps. But wait: Framework devotes four steps simply to unscrewing each of the two thumbscrews on the top of the Desktop and removing the top panel. Building a “normal” desktop involves buying a CPU, applying and spreading thermal paste, affixing a cooler of some sort, and more. There’s none of that here. Not only is the CPU already affixed to the motherboard, but Framework pre-installs the motherboard and memory, which comes soldered down. Really, the entirety of the building process involves screwing on the 120mm CPU fan with four screws, plugging it in, inserting the SSD and replacing the heat spreader…and that’s it. The remainder is simply opening up the case, closing it, and installing Windows. That actually takes the most time, as Microsoft downloads updates that can take a while to install. (Framework doesn’t supply an SSD with Windows pre-installed, though it will sell you a Windows license to install yourself — there’s another, well-documented guide to do so.) Virtually all of the hardware also comes with little visual cues: an arrow pointing to the proper position, plus actual “Top” and “Bottom” labels etched into the plastic or metal itself. That’s not necessary, but so very reassuring if you’re uncertain about what you’re doing. Framework ships most of the Desktop pre-assembled. This is right out of the box, with cables tried and the CPU radiator already mounted.Mark Hachman / Foundry Finally, don’t forget the USB-C expansion cards that plug into the chassis base, or the tiles that allow you to customize the front to your own aesthetic. I’ve never been a fan of laptop stickers, but the tiles (with small vents for airflow) are something I didn’t think I’d appreciate as much as I do. Building the Framework Desktop: What I didn’t like Not everything’s perfect. If I were building a PC, I’d prefer to install the SSD into the motherboard, and then the motherboard into the case. Framework asks you to do the opposite. What that means is that you’ll need to unscrew the heat spreader, allowing it to pop up, then insert the SSD, all by poking and prodding at the M.2 slot, way at the bottom of the inside of the case. I’d prefer to connect the SSD first, then place the motherboard inside the case. That’s not an option with the Framework Desktop.Mark Hachman / Foundry That led to a minute or two of chasing the tiny Torx screw around the case after it popped out of the heat spreader and rolled around, until I fished it out with a tweezers. Framework’s screwdriver is very slightly magnetic, enough that it can barely hold the screw in place while I lowered it into the case. I was very much reminded of playing Operation while trying to line everything up. (Framework also solders down the memory, so that you can’t install, replace, or upgrade it.) Framework’s Desktop also includes an optional secondary slot for additional storage on the back of the motherboard, accessible via its own side panel. That panel, like the plastic panels you see here in my photos can be removed easily just by pulling them slightly out and upwards. Framework gives you a choice between an optional translucent plastic side panel or one that matches the black aluminum used on the rest of the chassis.Mark Hachman / Foundry I also wasn’t totally pleased by how the top panel clips on to the case. On one try, it would clip in easily; on another, it would simply refuse to line up properly for a few minutes. Thankfully, we cut that portion from our associated YouTube video, where I’ll give you another look at what’s inside the case and how the Desktop performs overall. Aside from a few moments of feeling like an idiot, I had no issues putting the Framework Desktop together, and I doubt you will, either. The handholding this company is willing to do should make you feel like you’re well taken care of. The thumbscrews on the top of the Framework Desktop must be unscrewed for access to the side panels and the interior. The holes didn’t match up easily with the screw holes in the chassis, one of the few times I felt a little frustrated. Note the small but visible arrows to help you align the panels correctly.Mark Hachman / Foundry The other challenge to be aware of is the software drivers. If you purchase a Windows license, you’ll be asked to install it. Normally, a motherboard includes a set of pre-installed drivers or firmware to help facilitate that process; Framework’s desktop drivers had yet to be validated by AMD, which meant that I had to install a package of beta drivers alongside the Windows installation. If for some reason those drivers aren’t available, it’s not that big of a deal. You can install Windows without needing to connect to the internet, then add the license key later. You can also do what I did, which was to discover that I had forgotten to install the Wi-Fi driver, so I simply connected an Ethernet cable instead and added the driver afterwards. Don’t forget the tiles, which come in a variety of designs and colors.Mark Hachman / Foundry Everything worked perfectly, though AMD later provided an updated driver that really unlocked the processor’s performance potential. Given that Framework ships its products in batches — and those batches may take a few weeks to process — I’d expect those issues to be worked out well before you receive your finished Desktop. Building the Framework Desktop: Looking ahead One of the strengths of the Framework experience is that the company is looking forward to the day not when you buy a Framework device, but when you upgrade it. Though Framework hasn’t published a guide to upgrading the Desktop’s mainboard, it almost certainly eventually will. It already offers you a guide to removing the Desktop’s mainboard and installing it in another mini-ITX case, after all. After inserting the tiles, you can slide in the I/O expansion cards, too. The gray latch on the underside of the chassis helps secure them.Mark Hachman / Foundry Eventually, AMD will manufacture a successor to the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ processor, and you may want to swap the existing “Strix Halo” processor out and replace it with AMD’s latest chip. And that’s the foundation of Framework’s platform: You may be able to pick and choose from future upgrades, but you’ll choose to remain within Framework’s framework. There’s a lot to be said for that approach. We live in a world where so many companies are building in fine print and gotchas, service charges and subscriptions and labyrinthine contracts. Instead, Framework goes out of its way to be as simple and helpful as it can, and that’s something I can relate to. I’ve reviewed many, many products over my years as a technology reporter, and I can’t think of a single one that goes to such lengths to document how to use it as much as Framework does. Framework’s Desktop gives off a vibe of “helpful nerds who enjoy explaining technology” — which is very much what I think PCWorld has always tried to achieve. The point is that you don’t have to be a nerd to buy a Framework Desktop, however, and that’s one of its best features. Read...

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Stuck on a boss? Don’t know how to “perfect parry?” Microsoft is adding its AI assistant, Copilot, to help you with your games via an addition to the Windows Game Bar application. Right now, what Microsoft is calling “Gaming Copilot (Beta)” will show up only for those enrolled in previews for Xbox Insiders on the PC platform. Microsoft has issued a similar update for handheld PCs, too. Microsoft says that Gaming Copilot understands what game you’re playing, which makes sense. A Voice Mode allows you to open an oral conversation via the “microphone” widget and then pin the widget to your screen as you play. You can also snap a screenshot of your screen and then let Gaming Copilot “look” at it for additional help. To use the new Copilot-equipped Game Bar, you’ll need to be enrolled in the program, launch Game Bar (the Windows key+G) and then look for the Gaming Copilot logo on the home bar to open the widget, Microsoft says. It’s available for Xbox Insiders in the United States, but only if you’re 18 or older. Microsoft doesn’t explain the last requirement. Oddly, Microsoft already has a technology to “see” your entire screen and help you out: Copilot Vision, which Microsoft says is out of beta and is available for all PCs in the United States. But Copilot Vision’s vision was pretty lousy when I tested it on games like Solitaire, let alone quick first-person games. Microsoft may have improved its “vision” capabilities with the new Copilot Game Bar, but I wouldn’t expect it to be as helpful as an online guide or just a nearby buddy. But with the Copilot application cropping up everywhere — within Windows, the Edge browser, even applications like Microsoft Excel — expect Copilot’s march to continue into pretty much every PC application that Microsoft owns. Read...

Nvidia is sitting on an absolutely mind-boggling amount of money… like, enough to make Solomon and Midas and Croesus go, “Wow, that’s a lot of money.” It’s become one of, if not the, richest companies on the planet by riding both the crypto and AI chip booms. But are all those pricey chips secure? Nvidia says they are—and should stay that way, much to the chagrin of some lawmakers. “To mitigate the risk of misuse, some pundits and policymakers propose requiring hardware ‘kill switches’ or built-in controls that can remotely disable GPUs without user knowledge and consent,” reads a blog post from Tuesday. “Some suspect they might already exist. Nvidia GPUs do not and should not have kill switches and backdoors.” The blog post is an obvious response to the tensions between the United States and China, which are currently in something of an arms race for “AI” technology, with Nvidia’s chips a key point of contention. Earlier this year, a US lawmaker proposed putting location trackers in Nvidia chips to keep them from being smuggled into mainland China, something that happens on a regular basis to evade export restrictions. Chinese cybersecurity authorities summoned Nvidia employees last week to rather pointedly ask if newly available industrial H20 AI chips contained spyware or backdoors. The highly-sought-after chips were cleared for export by the Trump administration in April, immediately after an apparent bit of personal lobbying from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at a $1-million-a-head dinner at Trump’s personal residence in Florida. “There is no such thing as a ‘good’ secret backdoor—only dangerous vulnerabilities that need to be eliminated,” wrote Nvidia’s chief security officer in the blog post. “Kill switches and built-in backdoors create single points of failure and violate the fundamental principles of cybersecurity.” In light of the bill proposed earlier this year, it seems possible that the US could demand exactly that as a condition of clearing hassle-free and lucrative chip exports to China. I wonder if more expensive dinners are in Jensen Huang’s future. The blog post gives a brief history of chip-level security failures, name-dropping Spectre and Meltdown. It’s important to note that what Nvidia is denying here is deliberate, intentional means of disabling or spying upon chips—not security vulnerabilities or bugs that make them susceptible to attack, which do crop up from time to time. Read...

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Claroty partners with Google Security Operations to enhance threat detection and response across IT and operational technology environments. Read...