| Review: FileStar/2 v1.0 | - by Tom Kulaga |
One of the biggest complaints from people who convert to OS/2 from Windows is the lack of a file manager. Some folks, myself included, have gotten into a routine, and are not comfortable using the WPS for file manipulation. For those of us who are too stubborn to make the commitment to the WPS, FileStar/2 v1.0 is a good solution.
Shareware Roots
FileStar/2 was originally written by Jim Read and released as shareware by Sierra Hyperstar over a year ago. Since then, SofTouch Systems has begun publishing it as a traditional commercial application complete with slick packaging and printed docs. The basic functionality of the program has not changed since the shareware version though, so if you really want to try before you buy, you can still grab a copy from your local FTP site.
Installation
New since SofTouch took over is the addition of their very simple graphical installation program. There are easily identifiable install and uninstall options and the program prompts you before updating your config.sys file or placing objects on your desktop. FileStar also runs fine from its own directory, without copying extra files to your system directories, which makes for a nice, clean uninstall if you decide you don't like it.
Options, Options, Options
The first thing that struck me about FileStar/2 was its configurability. Most of the program's options are set through a common and intuitive settings notebook (gif 13.6k). From window position, color, and font, to file selection methods and listings, it seems nothing about this app is written in stone. It even has the option to display files in text, details or icon views, giving you the same visual result as the drives object in the WPS, without ending up with a dozen windows cluttering your desktop. My favorite option was the configurable file filter, which allows you to create a list of your most-used filters, and switch between them easily.
Another standout was the archive facility. It uses the freeware Info-ZIP archiver, and has an intuitive settings page that eliminates the hassle with command line switches. If this is your primary need in a file manager, I strongly recommend looking into this one. The author obviously put quite a bit of time into this interface, and it paid off.
The Interface
The program comes with the standard two window display of two different directories and also displays a window for the drive tree and a window listing all available drives. The default color scheme (gif 18.5k) for the windows is a little odd--baby blue for one, light yellow for the other--but, like the rest of the program, is customizable to suit your desires. Other standard options are information bars detailing time, date, swap size, free disk space and other information and an optional button bar across the top for quick access to some common functions. The buttons on the button bar lack fancy graphics but serve their purpose. They are not configurable, however, so moving, changing, deleting or adding your own buttons is out of the question.
FileStar/2 makes good use of its GUI environment. I didn't see any plain-Jane dialog boxes during my testing, and even the directory creation and deletion dialog boxes were custom-made (gif 4.3k). For those OS/2 users who like to use the right mouse button, FileStar/2 is a dream come true. Just right-click on any file, and up pops a menu giving you all the options that are listed in the drop-down menus. Get used to using it, and you may never need a menu bar again. This flexibility of use is the program's best strength.
The Downside
Even with all of its good points, there was one aspect of FileStar/2 that annoyed me. In an attempt to make FileStar/2 faster, the author designed it to read all directories into the INI file, and then read from that file to speed up the window listings when you change directories. At first this seemed a good move, but FileStar/2 doesn't see the changes made by other programs, and I found myself having to update the INI file often. Fortunately, there's a 'rescan'
option under the drive menu that makes this easy. If FileStar/2 is the only app you use to manage your hard drive, you might not find this as big a problem as I did.
Conclusions
Overall, FileStar/2 is a winner in my view. I found it to be very stable and well-polished. The help files are nicely done, using a good deal of graphics and giving all the information you might want. There are still a few rough edges that reveal its shareware history though; clicking on a help menu item brought up a document explaining how to "register" the software--not something I would plan on doing if I had just paid US $59 for it. Still, if you're in the market for a good file manager, include FileStar/2 in your "must-try" list.
FileStar/2 v1.0
SofTouch Systems, Inc.
CompuServe: GO OS2BVEN
Voice: (405) 947-8080
Fax: (405) 632-6537
SRP: US$59
Tom Kulaga is a 27 year old mechanical engineering student at Northern Illinois U., who is just adjusting to civilian life after a 4 year stint in the U.S. Air Force. He is an avid OS/2'er for the past 2 years.
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