Software to manage files stored on devices, networks, and/or in the cloud.
File managers can run in a graphical environment, or can be "console based" (e.g. run in a terminal/command-line window, like the "good old" Norton Commander). They usually share a basic set of features, including:
- copy/move/delete/rename files
- create/rename/delete/navigate directories (AKA folders)
- open files with their associated applications
Additional features often include:
- view/edit files
- run commands
- offering access to remote machines via FTP and other protocols
As the last item indicates, file managers are not restricted to local file systems – they can even be dedicated to network services, including cloud storage.