WinCatalog Light 3.0

It's not an easy task keeping track of all the data on a hard disk, considering the size of today's hard drives. The Windows Explorer, despite the fact it's very popular, it's definitely not enough. A software that can easily replace Explorer, due to the large number of options and functions, is WinCatalog Light. This is the reduced version of the Standard program and despite the fact it has less features, it still does a great job and best of all, it's free.

Installing the program is very simple and fast and the software requires low system resources and because of this and the small size, it can run without problems on older computer systems. It supports every version of Microsoft Windows.

The interface is as simple as it can get be and the minimalist approach of the developer is meant to help the user, especially if he is a beginner. Practically, the interface of WinCatalog Light consists of two panels that resemble Windows Explorer, as one displays a tree-like view of all the files and folder and the other, a much more detailed display.

In order to begin the work, the user has to add some data to the collection and optionally personalize it by giving it a name. The options for adding data include both adding a folder as well as adding an entire partition or volume with all the subfolders available. A useful feature is the possibility to scan inside compressed folders, allowing the user to see what's stored inside them.

WinCatalog Light includes a contacts manager that helps the user keep track of what he lent to whom. This requires first of all adding information, like names, nicknames, email, phone and a personal comment. After that, a volume can be easily set as lent using the right click and choosing the Lend function from the context menu.

Searching for a particular file or folder can be done in two ways, either by using keyword or by quick search. If keywords are no defined the process may take a while, depending on the number of files and folders included in the collection. The search can be performed in the complete catalog or just in certain areas. The keyword function is thoroughly explained in the help file of WinCatalog, so beginners shouldn't worry about using it.

The software allows saving a collection as a file, so the user can create as many collections as he want and he ca save them anywhere on the hard disk. Also, WinCatalog can be configured to open the last used catalog. The update option included in the program was designed to rescan a volume and synchronize the catalog with the newly modified files.

Pros:
The explorer like interface is easy to understand by beginners who are familiar with Windows Explorer. Also, the Lend to allow keeping track of the discs borrowed to certain friends.

Cons:
It lacks some features that advanced users might require, thus they might need using the Standard version instead of this one.

WinCatalog Light has been reviewed by Jerome Johnston on 12 Dec 2011. Based on the user interface, features and complexity, Findmysoft has rated WinCatalog Light 5 out of 5 stars, naming it Essential