Software Alternatives & Startups

Midnight Commander VS WindowGrid

Compare Midnight Commander VS WindowGrid and see what are their differences

Midnight Commander

GNU Midnight Commander is a visual file manager, licensed under GNU General Public License and...

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
WindowGrid

Quickly and easily layout windows on a dynamic grid using just the mouse.

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Midnight Commander should be more popular than WindowGrid. It has been mentioned 28 times since March 2021.

social mentions
28 vs 7
File Manager popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
146 vs 91

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Midnight Commander
WindowGrid
Website midnight-commander.org windowgrid.net
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Midnight Commander 7 features
WindowGrid 5 features
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Midnight Commander provides a text-based user interface that is relatively easy to navigate, unlike traditional command-line interfaces, which can be intimidating for new users.
  • Two-pane File Manager
    The dual-pane layout allows users to perform file operations such as moving and copying files between two locations effortlessly.
  • Built-in Editor
    Midnight Commander includes a built-in text editor (mcedit) that can be handy for quickly editing configuration files or scripts.
  • Connectivity Options
    It supports various network protocols like FTP, SFTP, and Samba, enabling users to manage files on remote systems as easily as on local drives.
  • Customizability
    Users can customize key bindings, color schemes, and panels to better suit their needs and workflow preferences.
  • Cross-Platform
    Midnight Commander is available on multiple operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Windows, offering a consistent experience across platforms.
  • Search Capabilities
    Advanced search options make it easy to find files and text within files, which is useful for a variety of tasks, from coding to administration.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited GUI Features
    Being a text-based application, it lacks some of the graphical features and mouse interactions available in graphical file managers.
  • Learning Curve
    While more user-friendly than the command line, it still requires some time to learn and get accustomed to the various key bindings and functionalities.
  • Dependency on Terminal
    As a terminal-based application, it requires a terminal emulator, which might not be as efficient or convenient as using a native graphical application for some users.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    For complex file management tasks, it may not offer the advanced features or plugins available in more robust file managers.
  • No Built-in Preview
    Unlike some graphical file managers, it doesn't provide a built-in preview of files (like images or PDFs), which can be a drawback for certain use cases.
  • Dependency on Configuration Files
    Customization often necessitates editing configuration files manually, which could be a deterrent for users who are not comfortable with text-based configurations.
  • Free to Use
    WindowGrid is available as a free tool, making it accessible for all users without any cost.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software provides an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly learn how to use the application.
  • Customizable Grid Layouts
    WindowGrid allows users to customize their grid layouts, providing flexibility in organizing and managing window positions.
  • Lightweight Application
    The tool is lightweight and does not consume significant system resources, making it a suitable choice for users with lower-end hardware.
  • Improved Productivity
    By simplifying window management, WindowGrid can help enhance productivity as users can efficiently organize their workspace.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Features
    Compared to more robust window management tools, WindowGrid offers fewer features and customization options.
  • Windows-Only
    WindowGrid is only available for the Windows operating system, which limits its usability for Mac and Linux users.
  • No Frequent Updates
    The software does not receive updates regularly, which may result in compatibility issues with newer versions of Windows or lack of new features.
  • No Support for Multiple Displays
    WindowGrid has limited functionality when it comes to managing windows across multiple displays, which can be a drawback for users with multi-monitor setups.
  • No Customer Support
    The tool lacks formal customer support, which may make it difficult for users to resolve any issues they encounter while using the software.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Midnight Commander
WindowGrid

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Midnight Commander is considered a good tool by many users, especially those who frequently work in command-line environments. Its efficiency and robustness make it a favorite among system administrators and developers.

Why this product is good

  • Midnight Commander is a popular and powerful file manager for Unix-like systems. It features a text user interface, making it suitable for command-line environments. It provides all essential file management functionalities, including copying, moving, renaming, and even supports accessing and browsing through FTP or SSH, making it versatile for various tasks.

Recommended for

    Midnight Commander is highly recommended for users who are comfortable working in command-line environments. It is particularly suitable for system administrators, developers, and power users who need a reliable and efficient file management tool with advanced features like remote file system browsing.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, WindowGrid is well-regarded for its ease of use, simplicity, and ability to enhance workflow productivity. It is considered a good tool for users looking to optimize their screen real estate effectively.

Why this product is good

  • WindowGrid is a popular virtual desktop manager that offers users flexibility and efficiency in organizing their display space. Its intuitive drag-and-snap grid system makes managing multiple windows on large or multi-monitor setups straightforward. It is lightweight, doesn't consume much system resources, and provides a significant productivity boost for users who work with numerous applications simultaneously.

Recommended for

    WindowGrid is recommended for professionals, such as developers, designers, and anyone who requires efficient window management to improve their multitasking capabilities. It is also beneficial for users with large displays or multi-monitor setups who want to streamline their workspace.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Midnight Commander 3 videos + Add
WindowGrid 1 video + Add

EzeeLinux Show 18.15 | GNU Midnight Commander

More videos

  • - 16 - Midnight Commander, Part 1 of 3
  • - Midnight Commander || Installation and short review || Ubuntu || Fedora

WindowGrid: Fenster auf dem Desktop ausrichten

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Midnight Commander
WindowGrid
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Midnight Commander and WindowGrid. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Midnight Commander 28 mentions
WindowGrid 7 mentions

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  • Looking for a specific window-managing software (macOS equivalent for a Windows app)
    On my Windows PC I am using Window Grid , which is my favorite way to manage windows, and would love a macOS equivalent. If you haven't used it, basically it adds a right click function only when you grab a window to move it - so... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Μικροπρογραμματα στον υπολογιστη για better experience
    Free: Search Everything (helps find files and stuff https://www.voidtools.com/ ) WizTree (you can see file sizes visually and helps you find stuff that take too much space.https://www.diskanalyzer.com/ ) EarThumpet (better volume... Source: over 4 years ago
  • alt + tab mouse click doesn't work on Win 11?
    Another approach that does not involve the Alt key is WindowGrid and of course there is Microsoft's own FancyZones PowerToy. Source: over 4 years ago

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Alternatives to Midnight Commander and WindowGrid

When comparing Midnight Commander and WindowGrid, you can also consider the following products.