This one is not free, but IMO essential.


Servant Salamander - File manager

An excellant application IMHO. Shareware.

http://www.altap.cz/salam_en/

What is Servant Salamander 2.0?
# It is a file manager for Windows 95, 98, Millenium, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP.

Why should Servant Salamander 2.0 be the one you choose?
# It is small, fast, stable, and user-friendly.
# It is similar to some widely used MS-DOS commanders like Norton Commander.
# It supports drag&drop, right-click context menus, and clipboard operations with files.
# It allows you to browse network drives without mapping (it supports UNC paths).

What are main features of Servant Salamander 2.0?
# Two independent panels with directory listings.
# Open plug-in architecture.
# Directory listings always up to date.
# Hotkeys for all functions.
# Internal support for ZIP, RAR, ARJ, CAB, ACE, and TAR/GZIP archives.
# Support for creating self-extracting archives.
# The ability to view content of files (text, html, over 40 picture formats, mp3, etc.).
# Command line for executing arbitrary commands through the system shell.
# Support for long filenames, file type associations, and compression on NTFS volumes.
# Internal viewer for up to 2 GB files with text and hex modes.
# Easy handling even with files over 4 GB.
# Changing case of filenames.
# Very fast file and directory search.
# User menu for all selected files and directories.
# Online HTML help.



An older, and less capable, thought still good - freeware version:

Servant Salamander 1.52
http://www.altap.cz/download.html#salrel