2.4 Managing Folders and Files with File Manager

The File Manager program included with NLD is Nautilus. Using File Manager, you can create and view folders and documents, run scripts, and create CDs of your data. In addition, File Manager provides support for Web and file viewing.

Figure 14 Nautilus File Manager

You can open File Manager in the following ways:

File Manager runs in object-oriented or spatial mode by default, similar to the early Macintosh Finder*. When you click a folder in spatial mode, a window for that folder opens. If you click the folder again, the opened folder is brought into focus. This one-to-one relationship is closer to the way you work with objects around you, like desks, chairs, and tables. However, spatial mode might be awkward for those that are use to a file manager like Windows Explorer, which uses a browser mode.

Figure 15 Nautilus File Manager in Browser Mode

You can change to the browser mode by right-clicking the folder and then clicking Browse Folder. This gives you a familiar view with a location window that shows the current path and buttons for common functions. This applies to the current File Manager window.

You can change the preferences for files and folders in File Manager by clicking EditPreferencesBehavior, then selecting from the following options:

Table 3 File Manager Options

Option

Description

Single Click to Activate Item

Performs the default action for an itemwhen you click the item. If this option is selected and you point toan item, the title of the item is underlined.

Double Click to Activate Items

Performs the default action for an itemwhen you double-click the item.

Run Executable Files When TheyAre Clicked

Runs an executable file when you clickthe file. An executable file is a text file than can execute (thatis, a shell script).

View Executable Files When TheyAre Clicked

Displays the contents of an executablefile when you click the file.

Ask Each Time

Displays a dialog when you click an executablefile. The dialog asks whether you want to execute the file or displaythe file.

Ask Before Emptying Trash orDeleting Files

Displays a confirmation message beforethe Trash is emptied or before files are deleted.

Include a Delete Command ThatBypasses Trash

Adds a Delete menuitem to the Edit menu and the pop-up menu thatis displayed when you right-click a file, folder, or desktop object.When you select an item and then click Delete,the item is immediately deleted from your file system.

Some simple shortcuts for navigating include the following:

Table 4 File Manager Navigation Shortcuts

Shortcut

Description

Backspace or Alt+Up-arrow

Opens the parent folder.

Up or Down

Selects an item.

Alt+Down, or Enter

Opens an item.

Shift+Alt+Down

Opens an item and closes the currentfolder.

Shift+Alt+Up

Opens the parent folder and closes thecurrent folder.

Shift+Ctrl+W

Closes all parent folders.

Ctrl+L

Opens a location by specifying a pathor URL.

Alt+Home

Opens your home directory.

For more information, click HelpContents on the File Manager menu bar.