Newbie questions January 2011

[EllenZ]

I have been a PowerDesk user for many years. I’m currently using PDesk 6.0.4.2 on a Windows XP computer, service pack three.

In about a week I will have a new computer loaded with Windows 7. I am looking for a Power Desk replacement, and last night I decided to try XYexplorer. I see that this is a wonderful program, and it can do many things I’ve never tried. However, my focus right now is, can it replace the few most essential PowerDesk functions that I use every day?

Power Desk has a function called “file finder” that lists the files in a folder (including subfolders if I wish) and then allows me to print that list, or to copy it to clipboard. I see that XYplorer has a very sophisticated “Find Files” capacity – I just printed out 13 pages of information about different ways to search for files.

Is there anything similar in XYplorer? I have found the Files: to Clipbaord command... that will do well enough. There doesn’t seem to be a Files : Print function. I searched on “print” in the help section but didn’t find anything.

If an answer is already available someplace, please point me to it. Many thanks, Ellen.

[nas8e9]

Power Desk has a function called “file finder” that lists the files in a folder (including subfolders if I wish) and then allows me to print that list, or to copy it to clipboard. I see that XYplorer has a very sophisticated “Find Files” capacity – I just printed out 13 pages of information about different ways to search for files.

Is there anything similar in XYplorer? I have found the Files: to Clipbaord command... that will do well enough. There doesn’t seem to be a Files : Print function. I searched on “print” in the help section but didn’t find anything.

Hi and welcome to the forums.

You could try the following:
- display the Info Panel if it isn't yet, through Window > Show Info Panel;
- click the Report tab.

From the help file:

Info Panel: Report


Report tab

You can create two sorts of reports: Current Folder reports are on folders and have basically the format known from the classic DOS directory dump, Current List is on the stuff currently listed in the List being either the contents of the current folder or the results of a previous file find.

All reports can be sent to the clipboard, to an ASCII text file, or directly to the printer.

The help file further expands on this; the quickest way to find the topic is by searching in the index for "report tab".

[j_c_hallgren]

If an answer is already available someplace, please point me to it. Many thanks, Ellen.

I also wanted to say: Hi and welcome to the XY forums!

Feel free to ask questions here and we'll do our best to answer them...this forum is one of the best things about XY as it's very active and helpful...the only thing we ask is that you do some searching before posting (which it seems you'd done) and use existing threads when possible instead of creating new ones...so this thread would likely be ideal for any of your additional questions.

[EllenZ]

Many thanks!

I have found the tips of the day file, which someone in one of these forums calls a setup guide for new users. (In fact, there are two versions... they gave a link to a rar file with a version from approx 2008 called TipOfTheDay_QuickSetupLAST, but then I realized a newer version of the tips file came with my download of the program.) I have found interesting material related to scripts, but at present it is way, way over my head.

Right now I have three very basic questions:

** PowerDesk has a drivebar... it runs along the top of the screen, and shows the drive letters for all drives in current use. I have 19 partitions, so I find the PDesk drivebar a very useful way to get from one form of work to another (I keep current work on one partition, forms stationery and samples of my work on another partition, a library of factual materials on another, archived projects on another, etc.) Is there any way to make a listing of drive letters happen in XYplorer?? I'd like it to be a permanent feature of my workspace.

** My current Powerdesk display always shows the folders first, then the individual files lower down the tree. I sort things by date modified, so the folders most recently worked on show up at the top of the list. Now, with XYplorer, it shows folders and files mixed together (I think) anyway files are showing up at the top of the list. Is there any way to tell it: "always put folders at the top of the list. Sort all the folders, then below that sort all the individual files" That is what I'd like it to do... again, I'd like it to be a global command, a permanent setting.

** Right now I am messing around, trying things to see what will work, and often I don't know exactly what I just did. How can I save my work in stages? I mean, I found a display font I like, and that's a permanent change. Then I changed some more settings, and I"m not sure exactly what I did. Is there some way to save "settings for XYplorer as of Saturday night" and also save "settings for the program as you first get it" and "settings as of Sunday morning" so I have some choices... so if I make a dumb mistake I can go back ten minutes, instead of having to start over again from scratch? I think the settings are saved in the ini file, is that right? Can you change the name of the ini file, or does it always have the same name?? Or maybe I should make backup copies of the ini file and save them somewhere away from the main folder??

I haven't had time to try your previous suggestions yet... hope it is okay to ask more questions .... I am supposed to be working on a project that is due Monday morning, but as I work on it I notice how I use Powerdesk, and keep wondering if I can do the same things in XYplorer. I use Pdesk like a second skin... whatever I need to do I can do effortlessly, without thinking about it. I've used Powerdesk for at least six years.....

Many thanks for your help!!

[j_c_hallgren]

Before I go to bed, I'll throw out a few hints and other can expand on them as needed..

1) Drives : Have you checked on the "Drives" toolbar button that is available? Right-click on almost any TB icon and use the "Customize TB" to access the setup....it may not do all you want, but it's a start...you can also create custom TB icons.

2) Sorting: Look at the Config>General panel and the "Sort" options in upper right.

3) Settings: The majority of the settings are in a INI file and can be saved to an alternate name via File>Settings>Save but with the limitation that it needs to be within the same folder...check out that part of XY, ok?

[EllenZ]

1)

Drives : Have you checked on the "Drives" toolbar button that is available? Right-click on almost any TB icon and use the "Customize TB" to access the setup....it may not do all you want, but it's a start...you can also create custom TB icons.

Thanks.. it looks like all I needed to do was add that button to the toolbar... I will check it more in the morning, but I think it solves that issue.

2) Sorting: Look at the Config>General panel and the "Sort" options in upper right.

I think all I needed to do was check "keep folders on top."

3) Settings: The majority of the settings are in a INI file and can be saved to an alternate name via File>Settings>Save but with the limitation that it needs to be within the same folder...check out that part of XY, ok?

I was having problems finding where the ini file was stored... it is not in the program folder. It looks like it's in an application data folder... now that I've found it, that should be okay... I've tried saving an ini file with a different name (xyplorer sat night.ini) have no idea if that's okay or not.

Many thanks, good night!

[admin]

1)

Drives : Have you checked on the "Drives" toolbar button that is available? Right-click on almost any TB icon and use the "Customize TB" to access the setup....it may not do all you want, but it's a start...you can also create custom TB icons.

Thanks.. it looks like all I needed to do was add that button to the toolbar... I will check it more in the morning, but I think it solves that issue.

A button showing the drives is already there in the default factory setup: the "Computer" button, 5th button from left.

[SkyFrontier]

Hi, EllenZ!
Almost ex-PowerDesk user, 8 years of heavy usage (plus almost 2 in parallel with XY ).

This little script may turn things easier for your regarding backing up settings in the way you want:

Code: Select all

"Backup XY Settings|:favs"
   $data = "<xydata>\RES\BKPs\";
   $ref = "<date yyyy-mm-dd>\<xyver>";
   $cmnt = "_YourComment";

   IF (exists($data) != 2) {new $data, dir;}
   $p = inputfolder("$data", "Please indicate where you would like to save your XY data configs:");
   $a = input("Any comment you would like to add?", "This will create subfolders and can be used as comment either - edit as you wish!<crlf>Leave blank if you simply want your backup under<crlf>$data.<crlf><crlf>Current Preview (not a 'Live Preview'!):<crlf>'$p\$ref$cmnt'.", "\$ref$cmnt");
   copyto "$p$a", "<xydata>\*.ini|<xydata>\*.dat|<xydata>\FindTemplates";
   status "Backup done! Thanks."

A colleague (TheQwerty) wrote this useful thread on using scripts - you may want to check it out as it seems to be new-user-friendly enough. Quick tip: go to "User > Manage Commands > Run Script" and store the script there using something like Backup XY|:favs as a caption (being ":favs" an icon indicator - a list plenty of them can be found here, outdated too I'm afraid). Set a cool keyboard shortcut for it via (guess?) "Assign Keyboard Shortcut..." and you're good to go.

I hardcoded the value $data = "<xydata>\RES\BKPs\"; but you can edit it to anything else like $data = "c:\My Backups\";. Same goes for $cmnt (comment) and $ref (references) values.
---
Something tells me that Save/Restore Sessions can be of use to you...

[admin]

** Right now I am messing around, trying things to see what will work, and often I don't know exactly what I just did. How can I save my work in stages? I mean, I found a display font I like, and that's a permanent change. Then I changed some more settings, and I"m not sure exactly what I did. Is there some way to save "settings for XYplorer as of Saturday night" and also save "settings for the program as you first get it" and "settings as of Sunday morning" so I have some choices... so if I make a dumb mistake I can go back ten minutes, instead of having to start over again from scratch? I think the settings are saved in the ini file, is that right? Can you change the name of the ini file, or does it always have the same name?? Or maybe I should make backup copies of the ini file and save them somewhere away from the main folder??

No scripting is necessary here. If something went wrong while playing around you can always do Restart without Saving (found in menu File) and you are back to the last saved settings.

[EllenZ]

MANY THANKS!

First, I was so astonished/pleased by the quick responses in this forum. Thank you!!

I’ve been offlist because I got tugged into another aspect of my “preparations for the new computer” project. (I need to find a way to record phone interviews as a sound file within the computer. I currently record them to cassette tapes... sound quality leaves something to be desired ... my typist points out that this is 2011, and her other clients send her sound files. I have spent many many hours working on this, without finding an appropriate solution.)

This weekend I have to make a decision about XYplorer, because my testing time is about to run out. So, I will be focusing closely on the program and trying to figure out if it will meet my most essential needs.

I’m going to continue posting in this topic, even though we’re now in February and the title isn’t quite accurate any more.

By the way, I’m finding that the “My Computer” button on the XYplorer toolbar is even better (for me) than the list of drives in PowerDesk, because it includes Desktop.

[EllenZ]

I suspect that I currently use PowerDesk for some functions that aren’t included in XYplorer... and I can live with that. (I’ll just need to find some other small stand-alone program(s) for those functions.)

MY TOP QUESTION
My primary use for PowerDesk is moving files from one folder to another. For example, I may have a hundred incoming files on the “downloads” drive, and then I need to sort them into specific folders on the “current work” and “facts” drives.

At this point what I’ve learned is:
new folder command: control N, also button on toolbar
File | MoveCopy | Move | Browse
allows me to browse for the folders I want to move to
and then the most recently used folders stay on that list after I’ve moved something to them
There is also a Recent Locations button on the toolbar, but I haven’t found a way to access it through keystrokes. That’s odd because most of the other toolbar buttons show you the appropriate keystroke when you slide your cursor over them.

So, I have found a way to move files into different folders, but I don’t know yet if it’s the most efficient/appropriate way to do this.

QUESTIONs:
I’m used to working with a list of favorite folders... right now I’ve learned to toggle the XYplorer favorite folders on and off (Cntrl B) but when it is on it only shows one folder. There must be a way to add more folders to that list, but I haven’t found it yet.

I suspect that I could set up catalogs to work with moving files for different projects ... one catalog for dealing with personal finances, another catalog for my top two current projects, another catalog for planned travel. BUT, I haven't studied catalogs yet... I hope tonight.

If anyone has suggestions for things I should look at next, or try next, focusing on how to efficiently sort files so I can find them when I need them, that would be great!! Suggestions about particular sections of the help files to print out first would be much appreciated... I will print it all out eventually, but now I need to figure out how to do the essentials, so I can leave PowerDesk behind before I move to the new computer.
Many thanks, Ellen

[EllenZ]

I just paid my fee for the lifetime version, and I've just started using the program for my everyday chores.

I figure at this point I've only learned 10% of what I need to know to use it effectively in my routine computer chores (and obviously there are many features I'll never explore, because they are designed for the real geeks, not people like me.)

I've just realized that I could use either the File or Edit menu for my everyday "move files" chores, and I need to take the time to figure out which will be easiest, which will need the fewest key strokes. I know from past experience that as I get more familiar with the program, and learn to do something a certain way, over and over, it will became a habit... I won't even remember there are other ways to do it.

I hope it may be useful for someone like me to do these occasional posts on what it's like to learn this program. My impression is, this is a wonderful, wonderful underused program, less known than it should be... and one reason is that for someone like me, starting to learn this program is like entering a vast country.

[j_c_hallgren]

I just paid my fee for the lifetime version, and I've just started using the program for my everyday chores.

Thanks on behalf of Don for your financial support!

I figure at this point I've only learned 10% of what I need to know to use it effectively in my routine computer chores (and obviously there are many features I'll never explore, because they are designed for the real geeks, not people like me.)

I wouldn't say "real geeks" but rather people with other needs or situations...there are many features that don't apply to my setup so I don't use them...and features I use often may not be much used by some so as long as XY does what we all need, we can all be happy!

I hope it may be useful for someone like me to do these occasional posts on what it's like to learn this program. My impression is, this is a wonderful, wonderful underused program, less known than it should be... and one reason is that for someone like me, starting to learn this program is like entering a vast country.

Yes, PLEASE do continue to post here as we sometimes really need a newbie/less geek point-of-view on some issues and input like that is quite helpful....and to find your way around the XY 'country', there are enough experts here in the various provinces/states to guide you to the desired destination.

BTW, I consider the Catalog to be one of the greatest features of XY as it can keep my list of most often used items in one neat place...have you read http://www.xyplorer.com/tour/index.php?page=catalog for a background on it?

And using http://www.xyplorer.com/features.php as an alternate way to locate info on features can be helpful as well.

[serendipity]

MY TOP QUESTION
My primary use for PowerDesk is moving files from one folder to another. For example, I may have a hundred incoming files on the “downloads” drive, and then I need to sort them into specific folders on the “current work” and “facts” drives.

At this point what I’ve learned is:
new folder command: control N, also button on toolbar
File | MoveCopy | Move | Browse
allows me to browse for the folders I want to move to
and then the most recently used folders stay on that list after I’ve moved something to them
There is also a Recent Locations button on the toolbar, but I haven’t found a way to access it through keystrokes. That’s odd because most of the other toolbar buttons show you the appropriate keystroke when you slide your cursor over them.

You can assign shortcut to "Recent locations". Access the menu Tools>Customize keyboard shortcuts and choose category "Go" and Look for "Recent locations..." and assign your shortcut.

So, I have found a way to move files into different folders, but I don’t know yet if it’s the most efficient/appropriate way to do this.

Depends on the user, there are many ways to do this. Do you always move files to same destination? Or do you always have to browse first to choose your destination?
A simple script can be used here and be made into a button or you can assign a shortcut to the script. Let us know and one of us can help you.

QUESTIONs:
I’m used to working with a list of favorite folders... right now I’ve learned to toggle the XYplorer favorite folders on and off (Cntrl B) but when it is on it only shows one folder. There must be a way to add more folders to that list, but I haven’t found it yet.

Yes, go to another folder and press ctrl+B and you will get that into the favorite folders list too.

If anyone has suggestions for things I should look at next, or try next, focusing on how to efficiently sort files so I can find them when I need them, that would be great!! Suggestions about particular sections of the help files to print out first would be much appreciated... I will print it all out eventually, but now I need to figure out how to do the essentials, so I can leave PowerDesk behind before I move to the new computer.
Many thanks, Ellen

Finding files is a very broad term. If you have specific question on finding something or how you sort something then it would be useful. Since you mentioned sorting, i would say a combination of "find files" and "visual filter" would quickly give you good results. Also, with some work over time you will find tagging feature great. You can add labels, tags and comments to your files based on different projects and finding them will be very easy.
Take a look at this link for list of features. You will find good hang of most features and also look at videos here.
http://www.xyplorer.com/features.php

Hope this helps. Don't hesitate to ask around.