Does anyone outside of Microsoft think Windows Explorer is a good file manager? Probably not. Poor performance, lack of features and configurability, and the way it makes a chore out of even the most basic task have worn down most Windows users. But you stick with it because switching to anything else seems like too much trouble, right?

Well, maybe it's time to think again. Directory Opus is a powerful Explorer replacement, but it's carefully designed to feature the gentlest of learning curves. When you first run the program, in fact, it looks and works just like Explorer: folder window to the left, files to the right. Double-click a file to view or launch it, right-click for all the usual options, select multiple files in all the usual ways, drag and drop works exactly as you'd expect.

No new tricks to master, then, but even at this simple level you'll see benefits. You very rarely have to wait with Directory Opus, for instance; multithreading means you carry on with one task while another runs in the background. There are Abort buttons to cancel lengthy operations (unlike Explorer, they actually work). And you get more file viewers (TGA, PCX, animated GIF and so on), often with extra capabilities (the text viewer includes fancy options like a page zoom and "View as hex").

You can open as many Listers as you like, and save a snapshot of the complete set. Load them later and all the windows reopen, with the same settings, positions and file paths. That's better for regular file copying exercises than Explorer could ever manage, especially as Directory Opus comes with an integrated FTP client. You could switch to a dual display, say, then navigate to the FTP folder for your web site in one window, the html folder in another. Save that layout, and Directory Opus will automatically log on to the FTP site (and display your web files) whenever you reload it.

Note that this is a full and free commercial application (ignore 'time limited demo' above). You'll need to obtain a serial code to turn this download in to a full commercial program. To obtain your serial code simply click the " Register!" button during installation and follow the instructions.

Note that this free commercial download offer will expire this week - Friday 15th of September.

UPGRADE OFFER - Upgrade to Directory Opus 8

The latest version sees Directory Opus gain new viewer plugins (watch movies without launching a media player), single and two-way file synchronisation, and a duplicate file finder. FTP now supports Secure SSL and SSH/SFTP, and there's a range of new image enhancement and conversion features.

Directory Opus 8 normal retails for £35 (approx), but as a registered Directory Opus 6 user, you can upgrade to Directory Opus 8 for only £21 (a saving of around 40%) by taking advantage of the v6 to v8 upgrade offer.

To upgrade, simply head to www.gpsoft.com.au/DScripts/upgrade.asp, enter your Opus v6 serial code and click the 'Quote' button, where you can then purchase a v8 license!