|
Softpanorama |
May the source be with you, but remember the KISS principle ;-)
|
The book discusses Orthodox File Managers (OFMs), often called Commanders. The word "Orthodoxy" (orthi + doxa = correct + faith) comes from Old Greek. It often means the unchanged beliefs in a particular group maintained despite changed circumstances...
Originated in DOS environment, OFMs preserved many features that were typical for character-interface implementations. Despite their outdated appearance, the importance of this type of file managers is connected with a very high productivity of advanced users and the portability (the OFM is the only really portable file manager known to the author). OFMs can be found on any operating system including various flavors of UNIX, OS/2, and Windows and even personal organizers like PalmPilot. They are an essential tool for system administrators.
The current stage of development is explored, several historically important
OFM both with console character-based interface ( NC5, DN, VC, FAR, FC,
deco, MC, etc.) and GUI-based (Total Commander, Norton Commander for Windows,
Northern Capitan, etc.) implementations are reviewed. Some enhancements
and directions for the future development are proposed.
Although the most important role of OFMs is to simplify file management and for
this purpose telnet-style character based interface proved to be adequate,
new interesting directions are now open with the introduction of WEB-style
filemanagers.
As for the Unix administration, OFMs represent an indispensable tool that can be ignored only to somebody's own peril. Open source Midnight Commander now seems to be a leading implementation for open source operating systems and is available for all major versions of UNIX. The index of this site provides additional information and discussion of the open source software). Still I would like not to absolutize the value of open source in comparison with other institutional forms of developing software. The most important part is to have standards. This is still not the case for OFM managers but this online book is my modest contribution toward achievement of this important goal.
The "Orthodox File Manager Standard" proposed in the book (in two version: 1999 and 2004) created a more level playing field for both developers and users of OFM. See The Orthodox File Managers Site for quick access to all implementations mentioned in the book.
Dr. Nikolai Bezroukov
Copyright © 1996-2008 by Dr. Nikolai Bezroukov. www.softpanorama.org was created as a service to the UN Sustainable Development Networking Programme (SDNP) in the author free time. Submit comments This document is an industrial compilation designed and created exclusively for educational use and is placed under the copyright of the Open Content License(OPL). Original materials copyright belong to respective owners. Quotes are made for educational purposes only in compliance with the fair use doctrine.
Standard disclaimer: The statements, views and opinions presented on this web page are those of the author and are not endorsed by, nor do they necessarily reflect, the opinions of the author present and former employers, SDNP or any other organization the author may be associated with. We do not warrant the correctness of the information provided or its fitness for any purpose.
Created: May 16, 1996
Current version: 3.0 (
February 28, 2008)