UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

I'm looking at developing a new file/folder management program that would leave Windows Explorer in the dust. I don't know much about Unix of Linux. However, I am wondering if someone can direct me to the right place/software. Or am I looking at something that can be a software on top of these systems? Also, how do these applications (MS Windows, Unix & Linux) differ in terms of managing files and folders?

Key difference between UNIX-derived systems and CPM-derived systems is, UNIX has no concept of 'drive letter'. Instead, there is one 'root' partition that forms the base for everything else. Other partitions are selectively grafted onto directories.

are you going to write this yourself? what language are you going to use? what is it that you don't like about the current file systems?

hush

Thanks for the input.

I thought about using Flash or Java. However, I just stumbled on the fact that C+ might be the tool to use. What would you recommend?

I don't code in either of those languages (I use VB.NET and C) so it would be hard for me to recommend.

Both nix and windows are based on hierarchical systems so if I were to do something new then I would want to move away from this. You could possibly look into a database system where you could search against metadata.

If I were you I would concentrate on one file system and build your project around that. Once you have learned the internals of one then the knowledge can be transposed onto the others.

To me (being relatively new to hardcore computing) this seems like a complex area with caveats such as permissions and integration with the OS. I hope my negativity doesn't put you off as it sound like an extremely interesting project and just the sort of thing I would do if I had more skills with the code.

hush