Many people know Resco Explorer as one of the best file management utilities for Palm OS. Resco sent us their most recent version 2.72.2, so let’s have a look at it:

The file browser supports two views which you probably know from the Windows explorer: a list and big icons. In the list view, also several columns with additional information (size, date, …) can be shown and files can be ordered by name, size and so on. You can also set a filter, which shows only some files (depends on size, date, name, etc.):

Of course standard file operations are supported, Resco Explorer deletes, renames, copies and moves files (selecting multiple files is possible). But it also can pack and extract .ZIP files (which works very fast) and open many files using the built-in viewer or external applications. For example, the built-in viewer shows images or other files in hex format. External applications mean, it opens DOC and XLS (Word / Excel) files in Documents To Go, MobiSystems Office or Picsel Browser, HTML files in NetFront and MP3 files in PocketTunes. Resco Explorer is able to access ROM, RAM and cards.

It also is a backup app, launcher and control panel: The launcher can show all apps together or order them into the standard launcher’s categories. The control panel allows you to view and edit safed and unsafed preferences, alarms, file associations. Safed Preferences on Palm OS is what you probably know as the registry on Microsoft Windows. Using the file associations feature, you can decide which file type is connected to which application - not only in Resco Explorer but also in the whole Palm OS.

Backups can be stored, restored and deleted. You also can choose which files you don’t want to (re)store. The backup feature is good for people who don’t often create backups, because it lacks a schedule feature. Many people will prefer backup programs which create backups automatically (at night when the Palm isn’t used).

In my opinion, Resco Explorer should be installed on every Palm. Almost everyone who does a little bit more with his Palm than viewing contacts and notes will need a file manager or preferences editor sometime. “Power users” will use it to keep their card + RAM clean, organize their documents and open them. Opening files in external apps is what I miss in many other file managers although it is one of the most important jobs of a file manager. You see, Resco Explorer can do almost everything you need for your Palm OS administration.