In my early computing days (I'm talking Commodore Amiga here), I grew accustomed to file managers that used a side-by-side approach: Your complete file system was represented in two adjoining windows. That made it very easy to move or copy files and folders.
Consequently, I've never liked Windows Explorer, which uses a single file-tree structure. To me that complicates something as simple as moving a file from one folder to another. It's not intuitive.
If you're a Windows 7 user, you can take advantage of two new additions to make file management much easier. Addition #1: Windows Explorer's new home on the taskbar. Addition #2: Aero Snap.
See where I'm going with this? All you have to do is open two instances of Explorer, then drag one to the left edge of the screen and the other to the right. Aero Snap will "dock" them on the left and right halves of the screen, respectively.
Now you've got a side-by-side file manager! By the way, if you're not sure how to open that second instance of Explorer, right-click its icon in the taskbar, then click Windows Explorer.
What do you think? Is this a better way to manage files? Have you found a third-party tool you like even better? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Reprinted with permission from PC World. Story copyright 2009 PC World Inc. All rights reserved.
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