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Softpanorama University Library

The Orthodox File Manager (OFM) Paradigm

by Dr Nikolai Bezroukov

Preface

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 Despite their outdated appearance, the importance of this type of file managers is connected with a very high productivity of advanced users and the portability (the OFM is the only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