Qtfm

Small, lightweight file manager based on pure Qt

qtFM is a small, lightweight file manager based on pure Qt and works great with minimal desktop environments like Openbox.

In the realm of FreeBSD, one name that invariably crops up when discussing file management is ‘qtFM. qtFM, under the port category of x11-fm, has proven itself as an indespensible tool over the years. qtFM is a small, lightweight file manager that uses pure Qt and brings some unique features on the table. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview on how to go about using qtFM on FreeBSD and the reasons why it’s worth your time.

Getting Started with qtFM

The first step in utilizing qtFM in your FreeBSD setup is, obviously, the installation process. The [FreeBSD port]https//freebsdsoftware.org/x11-fm/qtfm.html for qtFM is readily available for you.

However, before we start with the actual installation procedure, ensure that your version of FreeBSD is up-to-date. An outdated version might not have the latest version of the qtFM port. As always, an update can be pulled by running the ‘pkg update’ command in your terminal.

Once you’ve verified and updated your FreeBSD system, you can proceed with the installation process. Open your terminal to install qtFM with a simple command

sudo pkg install qtfm

Voila! qtFM should now be installed on your FreeBSD system. You can confirm the installation by running

qtfm

This command should open up qtFM - right there on your desktop!

Exploring qtFM

At first glance, qtFM may seem barebones, but do not be fooled by its simplicity. Infused with the power of qt, it offers a robust file management solution with an array of features. Some of these unique features are listed below

• Easy Navigation Built with a thoughtful user interface, qtFM ensures painless navigation, thus simplifying file management.

• Customizable Interface You can easily customize the look and feel according to your preferences. You can implement icons of your choice or even give the folders distinct appearances.

• Command-line Integration For the power users out there who adore the terminal, qtFM allows you to directly input commands on the go, further boosting your productivity.

• Drag and Drop features It saves you from time-consuming tasks with intuitive drag and drop functionality. This feature streamlines moving files around, making file operations a breeze.

• Advance Search functionality With qtFM, you can effortlessly locate your files with a powerful search function. It can search based on size, name, or date.

Working with qtFM

To elaborate on the above features and how you can exploit qtFM to its potential, here’s a step-by-step guide

Navigation To wander around your file structure, you can simply click the folders. Or better yet, you can directly type the address in the address bar on top.

Customization For file and folder customization, right-click the folder or file and select Properties. You’ll have a plethora of options ranging from permissions to MIME types.

Command-Line To run shell commands without leaving the interface, you can use the ‘Commands’ button in the top-right corner. Just input the command and hit enter.

Drag & Drop You can cut/copy and paste files by just dragging and dropping them to their destinations. You can even do so between different tabs and windows.

Search functionality The ‘Find Files’ option is located in the Go menu. There, you can search for your files by size, date, or name. Hit enter, and you’ll have your queried files on the pane.

Combine these features with its resource efficiency and lightning-speed operations, and you are looking at a must-have tool for your FreeBSD system. As an added bonus, qtFM’s seamless integration with your FreeBSD system enhances an overall smoother workflow.

In addition to being a solid and lightweight file manager, qtFM completely adheres to the Unix philosophy of doing one thing and doing it well.

Software giant Google’s famous code of conduct famously quotes - “Don’t be evil”. However, don’t be complacent either. Just managing your files won’t secure them from potential threats. In the world of IT security with FreeBSD, I personally recommend using [nmap]https//freebsdsoftware.org/security/nmap.html. A powerful port scanner and network exploration tool, its importance in FreeBSD cannot be overstated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, qtFM strikes the right balance between functionality and lightweight design, making for a compelling alternative to popular file managers. Though it might not have the broadest feature set, the features it does are executed brilliantly. If you appreciate a clean, lightweight file manager, then it’s time you give qtFM a spin. Dive right in and streamline your file management tasks.

While we’ve made every effort to cover all the bases, qtFM is a tool with a depth that far exceeds the breadth of this article. Explore, experiment, and discover more about what qtFM can do for you. Enjoy navigating through your FreeBSD system with qtFM!