File Explorer

The File Explorer ( formerly known as Windows Explorer ), or shortly called Explorer is the default file management program and the work surface in the Windows family of operating systems since Windows 95 and has since become an integral part of these operating systems.

  • 3.1 File Manager
  • 3.2 Shell

History

The "Windows Explorer" named file management program was first introduced with Windows 95 and has since become the successor to the popular Windows 3.x File Manager that shipped until Windows ME Microsoft. Already in the Windows 9x series called file management program was this " File Manager" by default can not be called as a shortcut on the Windows Start menu, but only in the Windows system directory. However, Windows offered 95 (only the Ur - or A- version ) the user is not on during the installation to use the classic duo program and file manager as the main components of the graphical user interface and working environment ( shell) instead of the Windows Explorer, including the Start menu and desktop.

The main window in Windows XP, with preset Luna - surface

A window for the file properties in Windows XP with the so-called classical ( style similar to Windows 95) surface

The main window in Windows 7

The Explorer in Windows 8

Functions

Work surface

The Windows Explorer provides the ( main) functions for working surface available and is one of the so-called shell programs. That is, it starts after the start of the actual operating system and makes the screen elements are available ( similar to the panel in GNOME or KDE Plasma ). Since Windows 95, including the taskbar ( with the start button on the Windows Start menu ) and the actual desktop ( with a specially designed system folder), on the links, but other files can be. In Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 the surface of a ribbon was (english Ribbon called ) added.

Basically, the Windows operating system can also be used without the Explorer as a shell.

File manager

The actual file manager is a special window view in the Explorer and not a separate program. This view is only visible in normal operation again if the work surface has been started.

Furthermore, the Explorer is responsible for mapping of file extensions to programs and the search function manages the drives and the car started.

Alternatives

In addition to the Windows Explorer also exist File management and shell programs from third party manufacturers for Microsoft Windows.

File manager

  • Directory Opus
  • FAR Manager
  • Operation Center
  • SpeedCommander
  • Total Commander

Shell

  • Emerge Desktop
  • LDE (X)

Documents

  • File Manager
  • Windows
  • Shell
Shell (computing) File Manager (Windows) Windows 98 Filename extension Windows startup process LDE(X)
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