Open Source Spotlight – FileZ

[From Rimez] There are those programs which one installs but never really gives much thought despite the fact that they are used frequently. It's those programs which fit so seamlessly and unobtrusively that we use everyday without stopping to think "what if I didn't have this", but without which we would be scrambling to compensate and thus lowering what we call the Palm Experience.

For me this describes the Open Source Program called FileZ. Without thinking about it I find myself firing it up all the time, whether to do some cleaning on my device, or to move this or that file to this or that folder. Without it navigating through the plethora a files on my device would be a nightmare for me.

In case you have never heard of it, FileZ is an Open Source file manager for the Palm OS. It allows you to view, move, delete, and send via email or IR (as well as Bluetooth if you have it) any file (although not RAM files) on your device. In addition to the file management it also allows you to view extensive system information. It can also view and delete preferences; however I have yet to use this feature myself.

I did a little search on Google for FileZ and came up with a curious bit of information--- according to the Tracker Dog website it's the 3rd most downloaded program with 63% of its users having it installed. Quite impressive IMHO.

I finally got in touch with the developer of FileZ, Tom Bulatewicz, last week and he provided the following answers to my questions --

1. Why do you spend your time developing FileZ?

I spend way too much time writing open source software because I just enjoy the challenge and creativity of writing software, and if other people could use the programs or source, then even better.

2. How did you start your involvement in FileZ?

One night, about 5 years ago, I was working on Due Yesterday and needed a file manager, but all the ones I could find cost money. So I wrote the first version that night.

3. What does the future have in store for FileZ?

That depends on the feedback that I get. Nothing huge planned right now, but I'd like to see better explained error messages, and to make some parts a little more intuitive to use.

4. What device do you use?

Ironically, I don't actually own any Palm OS handhelds at the moment.

5. What is your opinion of PalmSource's move to Linux?

I think PalmSource's move to Linux is an excellent step. Going to a unix-based OS revolutionized Apple's OS, and I think the same thing could happen here with Palm OS.

6. Is there anything you would like to add?

Nothing else to add, thanks for the interest in FileZ and good luck with your articles!

NOTE: One thing I would like to highlight (esp., based on the answer to point 3) is that Open Source developers appreciate your feedback. If they know people really use it, it can motivate them to further develop the application.

If you are interested in FileZ you can go to the Source Forge page and download the latest version.

Once there you can look at the other well known OpenSource programs for Palm as well.