Package: twander
What Is 'twander'?------------------'twander' is a macro-programmable Filesystem Browser that runs onboth Unix-like systems as well as Win32 systems.  It embraces the bestideas of both similar GUI-driven programs (Konqueror, WindowsExplorer) as well as text-based interfaces (Midnight Commander, List,Sweep).Or, If You Prefer The "Elevator Pitch"--------------------------------------'twander' is:- A better file browser for Unix and Win32. (Developed on FreeBSD.)- A way to make browsing the same on all the OSs you use.- A macro-programmable tool that lets *you* define the features.- A GUI navigation front-end for your shell.- A way to "can" workflows for your technically-challenged colleagues.- A way to free yourself from the shackles of the mouse.- A way to significantly speed up your day-to-day workflow.- A Python/Tkinter application - over 5000 lines of code/comments- A RCT (Really Cool Tool) that will have you addicted in a day or two.Why Is 'twander' Different?---------------------------While the 'twander' interface is graphical, all the major navigation,selection, and execution commands can be entered from the keyboard,not just the mouse.  This means Power Users who are strong typists canminimize dependency on the mouse and materially speed up theirinteractions with the system.Moreover, unlike the other programs, 'twander' does not have abuilt-in set of commands (which typically cannot be changed).Instead, 'twander' supports a rich macro configuration language forvirtually limitless user-definition of commands.  The configurationlanguage provides a simple mechanism for communicating the list ofitems currently selected in the GUI to the user-defined commands.Each user is thus free to configure a command set unique andappropriate to their needs.  As with the navigation commands,user-defined commands can be invoked with either the keyboard (asingle keystroke) or the mouse (a menu selection).Who Might Like 'twander'?------------------------1) People who type well and find the mouse a distraction when working.2) People who want to customize the commands available in their filebrowser to do things *their* way instead of the way the browserwants to do things.3) People who wish to provide their less technical colleagues with atool that has a limited set of "canned" features.  For instance, itwould be trivial to use 'twander' to automate ftp transfers for useby non-technical administrative staff.4) People interested in the inner workings of a Python/Tkinterprogram.  The entire program is written in Python using the TkinterGUI modules and is extensively commented throughout.  Additionalprogram documentation is provided in Unix 'man' format, PostScript,pdf, html, and plain text.5) Oddly, and as an unintended side-effect of the original design,'twander' will serve the visually-impaired very well.  Colors, fonttype, size, & weight, and window size can all be trivially set inthe 'twander' Configuration File.  Additionally, font size can beincreased or decreased with a single keystroke while the program isrunning.  So, for instance, it is quite easy to run the programwith very large fonts, thus improving readability.Program Requirements--------------------'twander' runs on Unix-like systems (FreeBSD, Linux) as well as avariety of Win32 systems.  It requires the presence of Python 2.2 (orlater) and the associated Tkinter support for the target system.Additional features for Win32 users are enabled if you also installthe 'win32all' Python extensions from Mark Hammond.  All of these arefreely available from:http://www.python.orgAdditionally, *you* should be technically proficient - either as aPower User or Programmer.  A good benchmark here is that you arecurrently comfortable with the command line (shell) environment ofyour chosen OS, and are knowlegeable about scripting in thatenvironment (shell scripts or batch files).  ('twander' does notrequire such scripts, but this level of technical knowledge is aboutright for creating 'twander' command macros.)Mailing List------------TundraWare Inc. runs an email list for 'twander' users.  Instructionson how to subscribe can be found in the documentation.