Free filer software for linux

ROX Filer is a fast and powerful graphical file manager.

It has full drag-and-drop support and background file operations, and is highly configurable.

ROX-Filer is a fast and powerful graphical file manager for the X Window System.
You can use ROX-Filer as a small and fast filer within your current desktop......or get it to manage your pinboard, panels and applications.
Main features:
- Fast scanning of directories (in the background),
- Uncluttered display (popup menus are used throughout),
- Background file operations (copy, move, link, delete, permissions, find),
- Powerful expression-based find feature with on-line quick reference (eg mtime after 2 days ago and size > 10Mb finds files based on their modification time and size)
- Mounts and unmounts filesystems (just Shift-Click on the mount point),
- Supports the XDND protocol, which provides for drag-and-drop file loading, and the new XDS extension which allows drag-and-drop saving,
- VfS support allows browsing around inside zip files (and other types of archive),
- Fully configurable from the Options dialog box,
- User-defined key bindings for all menu entries,
- A pop-up minibuffer allows navigating the filesystem using shell-style tab completion,
- The minibuffer can also be used for quickly entering shell commands,
- Full manual provided (HTML format),
Other features:
XDND
A common drag-and-drop protocol used, for example, by the GNOME desktop[GNOME]. This allows data to be loaded into an application by dragging it from a filer window to a program. The full specification is given in [DND].
XDS
An extension to XDND that allows applications to save data by dragging an icon back to a filer window. The full specification is given in [XDS].
Choices
A simple, but flexible, system for managing user choices. See [Choices] for details.
Application directories
Self contained relocatable applications, where installation is as simple as copying it to where you want it and uninstalling it is just a matter of deleting a directory. Described later in this documentation.
Thumbnails
The filer can be made to display image files by using the image itself for the icon, instead of a generic `this-is-an-image icon. Very useful for organising a directory full of photos! See [Thumbs] for details (spec is still in developement).
Shared MIME Info Database
In the past, each desktop had its own database of rules for determining the type of files. The Shared MIME Info Database[SharedMIME] unifies these into a single system shared by all desktops.
Icon Themes
Collections of file icons, called themes, can be installed (eg, to `~/.icons). You can switch between themes in the Options box. Once other desktops support this fully, themes will be sharable between desktops.
DNotify support (Linux only)
If used with a recent Linux kernel (2.4.x series), the filer will notice changes to directories automatically. On other systems, directories will update when the pointer is moved over them.
Enhancements:
- Some problems with session management were fixed.
- This makes it easier to use ROX-Filer with gnome-session and similar software.
- When creating thumbnails, this release can use a thumbnail embedded in an EXIF image, which speeds things up.
- A couple of build problems were fixed.

Linux NFS Utilities are NFS utilities for Linux NFS clients and servers.
Main features:
- NFS Versions 2, 3, and 4 are supported on 2.6 and later kernels.
- NFS over UDP and TCP on IPv4 are supported on the latest 2.4 and 2.6 kernels.
- Linux NFS clients and servers have been tested against many non-Linux implementations.
- Since version 1.0.1 of the NFS utilities tarball has changed the server export default to "sync", then, if no behavior is specified in the export list (thus assuming the default behavior), a warning will be generated at export time.
- If you plan to deploy NFS extensively, consider subscribing to one of these mailing lists: NFS Mailing List, or the AutoFS Mailing List. Before reporting problems, you should search for similar issues in the searchable mail archive. Another searchable archive for NFS, supported by Google, is here. The searchable mail archive for AutoFS is here.
- A useful set of generic NFS references includes the following:
- - "NFS Illustrated," by Brent Callaghan; Addison-Wesley, 2000.
- - "Managing NFS and NIS, 2nd edition," by Hal Stern, Mike Eisler, Ricardo Labiaga; OReilly, 2001.
- - "Linux NFS and Automounter Administration," by Erez Zadok; Sybex, 2001.
- - "Using the Linux NFS Client with Network Appliance Filers," by Charles Lever; Netapp TR-3183, 2004.
- - "Mike Eislers NFS blog."
- - "Eric Kustarzs blog."
- - "NFS version 4 home page."
- - Finally, the "linux.org online library" has many references.
Quick setup client guide
1. Acquire and install a recent distribution of Linux.
2. Set up your /etc/exports file (man exports for details).
3. Consult your distributions documentation to determine which /etc/init.d start-up script is used to start your server. Start NFS services by invoking this script as root, using the "start" parameter. Consider adding this script to the list of scripts that are automatically run at system start-up. (Red Hat uses the chkconfig command for this purpose).
4. Read the NFS How-To for advice on tuning and securing your server.
Quick Client Setup Guide
1. Acquire and install a recent distribution of Linux. To enable NLM lock recovery, ensure your clients host name, as returned by uname -n, matches the host name returned by DNS.
2. The NLM protocol is handled by an in-kernel service in modern kernels, but the user-level rpc.statd program must be running to enable NLM lock recovery. Consult your distributions documentation to determine which /etc/init.d start-up script is used to start it. Start the NSM daemon by invoking this script as root, using the "start" parameter. Consider adding this script to the list of scripts that are automatically run at system start-up. (Red Hat uses the chkconfig command for this purpose).
3. Create the directories on your client where you will mount the NFS shares.
4. Add entries in /etc/fstab corresponding to your mount points (man nfs for details).
5. Use mount -a -t nfs to mount the NFS shares.
6. During system boot-up, most distributions automatically mount NFS shares that are listed in /etc/fstab. If yours doesnt, check your distributions documentation for instructions on how to configure your client to do this.
Enhancements:
- The "mount.nfs" command was added, since the nfs mount functionality is being migrated from util-linux to nfs-utils.
- Substantial changes to were made statd. Various pieces of old code were removed.
- Lots of bugfixes and improvements were made.

Feather Linux is a Linux distribution which runs completely off a CD or a USB pendrive and takes up under 115Mb of space.
Feather Linux is a Knoppix remaster (based on Debian), and tries to include software which most people would use every day on their desktop.
As of version 0.7.3, it includes:
Kernel 2.4.27, Abiword, siag, Dillo, Firefox, Captive-NTFS, gaim, ethereal, Thunderbird, XMMS and plugins, Imposter, IceWM, wavplay, mpg321, FreeNX, John the Ripper, Tcl, qemu, kismet, abcde, macchanger, screen, paketto, ogg123 and other Ogg Vorbis tools, axyFTP, fireftp, rox-filer, cdrecord, mkisofs, rdesktop, tcpdump, parted, partimage, dsniff, aircrack, madwifi, dnsmasq, foremost, antiword, e2undel, iftop, bbpager, utelnetd, minicom, index, gpart, socat, traceroute, SciTE, prozilla, Midnight Commander, Samba, elmo, tmsnc, apsfilter, gmplayer, mount.app, chntpw, zile, tinycc, nano, Xpaint, Xzgv, Xpdf, naim, hdparm, usbview, index, recoverdm, mtr, cdparanoia, betaftpd, Chipmunk Basic, gqcam, e3, lua, Ruby, cdparanoia, giFTcurs, mtools, emelfm2, vncdec, elhttp, quagga, ettercap, wavemon, iptables, recover, amap, hping2, cabextract, splitvt, pciutils, LinNeighborhood, nmap and nmapfe, portmap and nfs-common, aumix, CTorrent, VNCviewer, sqlite, SSH and SCP, DHCP client, xtdesktop, PPP and PPPoE support, NTFS resize support, an RSS reader, stress, cpuburn, the Monkey webserver, Xcalc, Fluxbox, evilwm, the XBase apps, and the various standard console and system tools.
Enhancements:
- Fixed HD install script
- Updated Gaim and Firefox

Fluxspace blends Fluxboxs window management with new desktop management capabilities. The project leverages existing components and the power of Python to help build a flexible desktop environment around Fluxbox and other lightweight window managers.
Main features:
- Add per-workspace desktop icons and panels to Fluxbox by integrating tools like Rox Filer and Idesk.
- Decorate each workspace with different wallpaper.
- Manage your startup applications.
- Automatically start and stop applets as you enter and leave workspaces, allowing each workspace to have its own unique tools and dockapps.

KnoSciences is a Knoppix bootable CD with a collection of GNU/Linux software, automatic hardware detection, and support for many graphics cards, sound cards, SCSI and USB devices and other peripherals. KnoSciences is not necessary to install anything.
Sciences SoftwareMain features:
Workstation software
- Evince
- FileRunner
- Firefox
- Gimp
- Gnumeric
- Kate
- Krusader
- Lyx
- NVU
- OpenOffice
- Rox-filer
- Scite
- Scribus
- Texmacs
- VLC media player
- VNC
- Xfce4
- XMMS
- Xpdf
Java software
- Edugraphe
- Geogebra
- Geonext
- JasTEX
- Java C.a.R
- NonEuclid
- NumericalChameleon
- Mathoscope
- Optikal
- Populus
- XLogo
Mathematical Software
- Xabacus
- Declic (french)
- Dr Geo
- Geomview
- Xeukleides
- Galculator
- Geg
- Giac/Xcas
- Gnuplot
- Grace
- Graphthing
- Kali
- Kseg
- Maxima
- PARI/GP
- Scilab
- Yacas
- XaoS
Sciences Software
- Audacity
- Chemeq
- Chemtool
- Dozzzaqueux (french)
- Formol
- Ghemical
- GNUcap
- GPeriodic
- KStars
- LibComedi
- Open Babel
- OptGeo (french)
- Oregano
- TkGate
- PyMOL
Systeme Software
- CUPS - Common Unix Printing
- Debian
- GCC (gcc & g++)
- KNOPPIX
- Perl
- Python
- QTParted
- TCC
- Xsane
- knoppix-installer

UniPackage is an alternative to distribution-specific packaging systems like dpkg and RPM. UniPackage is a simple system that works on any Linux distribution.

UniPackage packages are tar.bz2 archives which contain a self-contained "AppDir" which can be moved anywhere in the filesystem without disturbing the applications installation. In most cases, this packaging does not require changes to the applications code.

The issue of dependencies is avoided by bundling all required libraries in the AppDir. However, to conserve memory, applications will default to using existing libraries already installed on the system if they are available.

Disk space is conserved by transparently decompressing the applications "bin" and "lib" directories upon execution of the application (new to v0.5.2).

Creating Packages

In the following example, we will show how to create a package for MPlayer.

1. Extract the UniPackage tarball somewhere on your system (if youre reading this, then obviously youve done that).

2. Download the MPlayer source archive (the .tar.bz2) and extract it somewhere on your system (anywhere is fine).

3. Change your working directory to where you extracted UniPackage.

4. UniPackage makes use of recipes to compile programs, similar to in GoboLinux (www.gobolinux.com). A recipe is a simple bash script that contains the commands necessary to compile a program. For most programs, the Recipe.Standard recipe should
work fine. However, for more complex programs you may need to either create a recipe or find one that someone else has created.

Included with UniPackage is an example of a "complex" recipe for creating an MPlayer package - Recipe.MPlayer. If you have a look through the recipe, you will see that its not
really complex. It just sets up a few extra directories, downloads and extracts fonts/codecs/skins which are specific to MPlayer. You can modify the recipe as much as you like to get the desired compilation result.

Once you have created/found your recipe, you invoke the CreatePackage script to create your package. CreatePackage requires a few arguments, and running CreatePackage without any arguments will give you a concise overview of what you
need to supply to it.

To create our MPlayer package, we invoke CreatePackage by typing:

./CreatePackage /usr/local/src/MPlayer-1.0pre5 MPlayer-1.0pre5 gmplayer Recipe.MPlayer "--enable-gui"

To break down the arguments:

Arg1: Path to the programs source files /usr/local/src/MPlayer-1.0pre5

Arg2: Name of the program (arbritrary, use whatever you like) MPlayer-1.0pre5

Arg3: Name of the binary which will launch the compiled program gmplayer

Arg4: Filename of the recipe you wish to use (MUST be in the current directory).
Recipe.MPlayer

Arg5: Any additional commands you would like to send to the configure script when compiling (this is just exported to the recipe as a variable so even if the program does not use a configure script, you can still specify options which the recipe will
insert into the right place).

If there are no additional options you wish to specify, you must still provide the argument, but just use empty quotes: ""

"--enable-gui"

And thats it. The program should compile, and be packaged up into a nice
bzip2-compressed tarball.

To distribute the package, just have your users download the tarball and instruct them to extract its contents to wherever they like (I like to place my packages under /Applications but its entirely up to the user).

All configuration files (if applicable) will be contained within the extracted package directory. Regardless of where the user extracts the tarball, the program should still be able to find all required config files, libraries etc just fine.

To run the program, the user just navigates to the directory and executes the "AppRun" script. If they use Rox-Filer, all they need to do is click on the directory in Rox to launch the program.

FVWM-Crystal aims to create an easy to use, eye-candy but also powerful desktop environment for Linux or other Unix-like operating systems.
FVWM-Crystal uses following programs: FVWM as a window manager and "main core", ROX-Filer as file manager (manages icons on the desktop), xterm, aterm, mrxvt or urxvt as terminal emulators, MPD or XMMS as music players (theres built-in support for controlling these programs), and several other tools for different functions, like setting a wallpaper or making screen shots.
Main features:
- transparent elements of the interface: panels, menus, dialogs (pseudo-transparency, doesnt show windows underneath)
- window decorations, panel/menu colorsets and desktop wallpaper changeable from the main menu; choice saved for next X sessions
- flexible window decorations: can have different titlebar buttons layout, pixmaps, button functions
- different "desktop layouts" (panel placement and functions, desktop functions, window icons/thumbnails), changeable from the menu
- advanced keyboard support: keybindings for controlling the desktop switching, window management (moving, resizing, focusing, basic operations like minimalization or closing) - nearly 90 different keybindings
- support for controlling music players, using the keyboard or panel buttons and menus; currently MPD and XMMS are supported
- advanced support of the terminal windows: special "QuakeConsole" terminal accessible by an Alt+` (grave) keystroke similar to the console found in FPP games; terminals can be opened using RMB on the desktop; terminal windows dont release focus for newly opened windows (by default)
- a Python script for generating different panels and menus with installed applications - automatically finds programs in $PATH and creates specified menus and panels
- support for nearly 250 different applications - icons, menu/panel database entries, window styles
- different language support using gettext
Features for advanced users
- all FVWM configuration divided into small files in a simple directory structure
- special functions for loading configuration files - allows FVWM configuration files placed in different directories (for example system-wide and user-wide); user files are searched before system-wide files (directory structure must be preserved), first found file is loaded
- simple and easy to use system of "user preferences", adds to the configuration files ability to remember different user choices and recall them at any moment, usually at the startup of X session
- support for system-wide configuration in /etc/X11/fvwm/fvwm-crystal directory as well as user configuration in ~/.fvwm directory - changes in configuration files can be preserved between package updates
- special files called "recipes" - similar to "standard" FVWM configuration model (one configuration - one file), allows for different configurations in the same package (for example different music players changeable during runtime)
- support for different icon themes and sizes (similar to /usr/share/icons directory), included many icons in 22x22, 32x32 and 48x48 sizes