WinNc 10.7

Overview

WinNc is a file manager designed to be similar to the original Norton Commander. As a dual pane file manager it offers similar functionality to other dual pane file managers out there.

The usual extensive menu commands, toolbar buttons and function key options are present here. It is possible to switch quickly between folders on the selected drive as well as document folders easily. The font is quite small on the file list, but this can be increased as needed.

The program is responsive and changes information quickly without significant lag involved when wanting to move around the hard drives and folders quickly.

Installation

The installation completes without any issues.

Initially, when first running the software it has a pop-up offering the beta version. This can be clicked away or it will automatically disappear after a certain period of time.

The software is offered on a trial version basis, so the next screen lets the user pick between cancel the load up, running the software on the trial basis or making a purchase.

The WinNC options window then appears. The user is taken through language selection, updating to either the latest version or the latest beta version, the file manager layout choices, the visual features (which appear like a browser add ons list) that can be customized or disabled, main settings and finally, panel options. Once closed, the WinNc file manager appears.

There were no malicious software inclusions as part of the setup process.

WinNc requires Windows 98 or later.

Interface

WinNc offers a dual pane experience with a well featured menu system, over-sized toolbar buttons that are easy to understand their purpose, drive icons, and many smaller icons below the drive icons for taking certain file-specific actions.

Selected drive information for available drive space and total size of the disk is also shown in the footer just above the function key command set.

Pros

• Dual pane file manager that tries to act like the trusty Norton Commander
• Many options in the menu, large and small toolbar buttons, and the function buttons at the bottom of the interface
• Multi-tabbed file manager for multiple dual-paned windows within the same file manager window
• FTP manager is built into the software

Cons

• After changing the selected drive in the right pane, clicking away to a different window tab and then back again loses the selected drive and reverts back to the C drive again.

Alternatives

FreeCommander XE is the latest version of a trusted file manager with a tabbed interface for either pane and more simpler interface.

Conclusion

WinNc is an old school file manager which while packing many of the usual features lacks the finesse of more modern file managers. There was also an issue sticking on the selected drive which is a deal breaker.