TeraCopy - not a bad utility

[Spud1]

Curious - and why would that affect the transfer? Calculating the current transfer speed, average and time left can all be done without impacting the throughput at all in code.

It is indeed curious, but Windows Explorer has been known to be "broken" with respect to its file transfers for many years now, and it's still the case in Windows 7.

Copying large database backups (rar'd up) between 2 servers shows a massive difference between the two. 20 minutes to complete the transfer via Teracopy, or 40 minutes via windows explorer. Total of 3 zip files, direct gigabit link between the two boxes.

I'm not overly sure why this problem exists, but it is definitely worse the more files that you try to copy (windows explorer is terrible at copying lots of small files).

[Saracen]

Directory Opus looks interesting. Not cheap though.

I know this is an impossible question, but .... is it worth it?

And yes, I know you can get it on a trial code for a few weeks, but I won't install software for a trial unless I'm reasonably sure it's worth keeping, 'cos stuff never seems to uninstall cleanly.

[dangel]

Directory Opus looks interesting. Not cheap though.

I know this is an impossible question, but .... is it worth it?

And yes, I know you can get it on a trial code for a few weeks, but I won't install software for a trial unless I'm reasonably sure it's worth keeping, 'cos stuff never seems to uninstall cleanly.

No it's not cheap - and yes you can trial it for 60days for free (which is more than enough time to get you hooked). Yes it's amazing, and if you're willing to learn it's pretty much unlimited in it's configuration and customisation. If you spend a lot of time manipulating the filesystem it's essential in my eyes - i have licences for PCs at home and work as a result (most of the team here have licences for it too). It's also very well coded and the devs are extremely responsive and interactive with their users. Portable licences can be added (so you can carry it on a memory stick) which is loverly.

I've tried lots of filemanagers for Windows and tbh none touch Opus really. Perhaps i'm bias because of my Amiga days but Opus saves me lots of time and effort and that makes it pay for itself. There's promos every so often too, so keep an eye open.

Leo's introduction is a good place to start because the depth of Opus can be overwhelming when you're used to being so limited by explorer: http://www.pretentiousname.com/opus/index.html


My guess is that they'll be a xmas promotion as per usual, so the trial covers you till then...

[Craig321]

Both Opus and TeraCopy look like good little tools. I think I'll use it as a standalone program myself, I've never really liked other programs taking over Windows features.

Craig

[Saracen]

Thanks for that, Dangel.

My main worry is that I have a number of PCs here, and given the licence cost, if I get hooked on it for the one I use most of the time, I'm going to end up wanting it on several on the others too. And that could start to get quite pricey, given that I have about a dozen machines (though, to be fair, only 3 or 4 in reasonably regular use).

One licence I could stomach the cost, 3 or 4 is doubtful and a dozen? No way.

[dangel]

Thanks for that, Dangel.

My main worry is that I have a number of PCs here, and given the licence cost, if I get hooked on it for the one I use most of the time, I'm going to end up wanting it on several on the others too. And that could start to get quite pricey, given that I have about a dozen machines (though, to be fair, only 3 or 4 in reasonably regular use).

One licence I could stomach the cost, 3 or 4 is doubtful and a dozen? No way.

Hmmm well I see your point - obviously the discounts scale for more licences and USB licences are another option - see how you go with it and see how much comes off in the xmas sale. Only you can make the value judgement after all 5 licences are 40% off though - maybe an addition xmas discount will make it better still..

GPSoftware is essentially just two blokes - it's a tiny operation and Opus (sadly) isn't mass market enough for them to drop prices.

[Sputnik]

I recently wanted to move some files from the laptop to a USB stick and it was going to take ages using Windows explorer, In the end I used 'fastcopy'. Then I decided to search here on Hexus and found this thread which has now made me wonder how many people use an alternative file manger to windows explorer and what do you use?

I see Dangel uses Directory Opus ( or did when this thread was last active) having googled I see there are a lots of them, Including alot of free ones.

[pollaxe]

I've used Fastcopy (Japanese freeware, IIRC) and it's pretty damned good.

I don't use alternative file managers though, I tend to stick with the vanilla stuff.

[Sputnik]

I've used Fastcopy (Japanese freeware, IIRC) and it's pretty damned good.

Yes that was it. It copied the files (1000 photos) much quicker than windows although it failed on one or 2 files which I did normally with windows afterwards.

I don't use alternative file managers though, I tend to stick with the vanilla stuff.

I tried one or two probably 10years ago or more and then went back to using windows explorer. Just wondered if many people bother using a third party one or stick with windows offerings.

[dangel]

Yup, still using it both at work and home. Nope, can't live without it!

BTW Opus now has it's own queuing system for filecopys which makes teracopy redundant for me.

[peterb]

Spotted this thread with interest. Opus looks very interesting, and actually not that expensive given the exchange rate. I'll be giving it a trial I think.

[Biscuit]

I use total commander (free) to queue file transfers, i actually made a thread about windows explorer alternatives somewhere...

[peterb]

I use total commander (free) to queue file transfers, i actually made a thread about windows explorer alternatives somewhere...

You did! I have just found it!

Windows Explorer Alternatives

[peterb]

Just downloaded a trial version of Opus Directory. I am seriously impressed! So much so that I probably will end up buying it - especially as the license allows installation on a laptop as well as a desktop. And FTP support included And SSH support is available (for a small additional cost)