The Folder Browser
The Folder Browser is the frame where all files of the current folder are displayed. When using Probe, most of the time you're active in a Folder Browser. This is also the place where most file operations are initiated from.
See also: Reference Manual, The Folder Browser.
Fig 1: The Folder Browser Frame
You have complete control of which fields of file information are displayed, and the format of these fields. For example, the date field can be set to only display the date of the file, but in situations where more precision is required, the full date and time can be activated. Similarly, you select whether you want to display file size, and if so, whether you want a compact notation, or all size information available.
Fig 2: Examples of how the layout can be fine tuned
As the number of files being displayed grows, it's increasingly important being able to sort them in the way that best match our task at hand. Probe recognizes this, and provides six different ways of sorting files. As an example, suppose we wish to find out which HLP files in the Windows System directory are the oldest. So sorting the files primarily on type, and then those of same type on increasing date seems reasonable.
Fig 3: Setting sorting method
Having changed the way files are sorted our task is simple. Instead of inspecting each file, we recognize that the the HLP files are sorted in increasing order, so the oldest ones are at the top of the HLP files.
Fig 4: Sorting on type and increasing date
You work by selecting files, modifying selections, applying popup menu alternatives etc. Files are easily created, as are a variety of folders. File operations, such as copying, moving, deleting, renaming, file expansion, attribute modifications etc, are usually started from a Folder Browser. When a file operation requires a target, either the concept of an associated 'companion browser' is used, or the operation happen through drag and drop.
Fig 2: Creating a subfolder in Probe
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