Get Windows file manager XYplorer for free

XYplorer is a file-management utility that normally sells for $30. Today only, it's free.

(Credit: Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET)

Windows Explorer has never been what I'd call a user-friendly tool. In fact, I find it pretty unintuitive. And yet it's what Windows users are stuck with for moving, copying, deleting, and organizing their files.

If you've often wished for an easier, more robust replacement, today is your lucky day: Giveaway of the Day is offering Donald Lessau's XYplorer 11.90 Windows file manager free of charge. It normally sells for $29.95.

No! Bad! Don't click! You want the download link that appears below this inviting blue button. (On the Giveaway of the Day site, that is.)

(Credit: Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET)

WARNING: Do not click the big blue Download button that appears alongside the description of XYplorer. That's actually an ad, and it clicking it will produce undesirable results.

What you want to do instead is scroll down a bit, then click the smaller "Download XYplorer 11.90 now" link that appears near the middle of the page. Again, you want the link, not the button.

Furthermore, after you install the program (which will activate itself via Giveaway of the Day's servers -- no registration code required), you'll be presented with the option of installing something called Software Informer. Don't.

Okay, now that that's out of the way, XYplorer is "a versatile file management program that gives users plenty of options for organizing and maintaining their files. With both basic and more advanced features, thi

s program is a good choice for users at all levels."

That's according to CNET's review of the program, which concluded with a 4.5-star rating. Some 60 users rated it 4 stars on average.

What I especially like about XYplorer is the option of viewing dual panes, which to my thinking makes for much easier file management than Windows Explorer's file-tree approach. I also like being able to color-code files and add labels, tags, and comments to them.

There's a learning curve here, no doubt about it, but there's plenty of built-in help to teach you the ropes. And, hey, if you decide you don't like it, no harm done (or money spent), right?

As with most Giveaway of the Day deals, this one is available today only -- and it must be installed today. You're not entitled to upgrades or tech support, and you can't reinstall it later on if needed. Such is the price of free.

Bonus deal: Yesterday I showed you a refurbished Kindle Fire for under $100. Today, right here at CNET, you can score a refurbished Lenovo IdeaPad A1 7-inch tablet for $99.99 shipped. That's after redeeming a $15 mail-in rebate. (FYI, the deal goes live in about an hour.) Specs include dual cameras, GPS, and Android 2.3 (which, with a little Googling, you should be able to updated to 4.0). The tablet includes a 90-day warranty.

Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.

by Rick Broida via CNET