Windows Explorer is fine for everyday file management needs, but it is less than ideal if you need to work with files more frequently, you’re going to need a more powerful tool. EF Commander is one such tool, designed to be a professional level replacement for Windows Explorer, providing you with a range of powerful new options and improving on those already to be found in Windows’ built-in utility.

One of the most useful features for anyone who works with a number of folders at the same time is the dual paned view coupled with the tabbed interface. This means that a single program window can be used to house multiple folders that you can easily switch between. But where EF Commander really shines is when you start to look at the number of built in tools and utilities that are included that mean an increase number of tasks can be performed without the need to turn to other software.

There is an integrated media player that can be used to listen to music while you work, but there are a range of more serious and useful tools available. An internal file viewer can be used to preview more than 30 file formats and there is even file compression support – this can be used to both compress and decompress files. When you’re working with images, particularly those from a digital camera, the thumbnail view coupled with the multiple file renaming tool come in very handy.

But there’s plenty more to explore. Web developers will appreciate the inclusion of an FTP client complete with file transfer resumption and there is also the handy option to split larger files into smaller pieces. Other tools include a text and hex editor, checksum creation and verification. You also have the option of synchronizing files with another computer over a network connection and using plugins for XnView and IrfanView.