A file manager is, at its simplest, a utility program which presents lists of files and allows the user to perform actions of some kind on those files.

File managers are useful for moving files between folders, making backup copies of files, viewing pictures and playing sounds, running other utility programs on lists of files, deleting unwanted files and many other 'housekeeping' tasks.

Quite simply, Directory Opus is one of those 'must have' tools, that you come across from time to time. Its general purpose is to replace your existing Windows Explorer and let you do more, the way you want to do it, more quickly.

Highly customisable, you can choose to work in a single-window mode, dual-pane window, use Directory Opus as your FTP tool and synchronise files between computers.

With built in support for ZIP files, you can handle your archives as if they are regular folders. No need for external archive management tools.

Directory Opus can be slightly overwhelming when you first install the application. However, persevere with the tool and work to customise the interface to your requirements, and you'll soon find that, if you went back to Windows Explorer on another machine, you'll wonder how you'll ever cope again.

This is a major new release of Directory Opus, v9. New features include full support for Windows Vista (as an Explorer replacement), XML based configuration, export to external USB stick support, updated interface, new method of handling program icons and so much more.

The latest 9.1.x now ships in both 32-bit (download available here) and 64-bit editions and a whole host of improvements and bug fixes.