File manager and desktop customization

[Glasspoole]

Hi! I'm new to MX. I use Debian without a GUI (server) since years and now trying to make it work for desktop use like i want it.

1.
First thing I'm searching is a file manager that does what i want.
I did install Dolphin and PCManFM but its not how i like it. Also Dolphin seems to have some problems.
I want file information like i have it in Windows where i can have columns for everything.
E.g. frame height/width/rate for videos or bitrate and IDv3 tags for music. Is Dolphin the only one that can do it?
It also seems like Dolphin is the only one where you can sort the folder under "Places" like you want?
What i don't like in Dolphin is how that "GiB free" in the right bottom corner looks. Also the position of the "Location Bar" is ugly.

Then it seems like only in Thunar you can drag files with the right mouse button like in Windows?
Well visually PCManFM looks the best. The "Side Pane" is white and the "Status Bar" is full-length.

2. I find it hard to crap the corners or edges of windows to resize them. Why is that harder compared to Windows?

3. Is there something that shows file information if you open a files properties like here:

windows_3.jpg

4. Since XP i have a folder in the taskbar where i have all my programs. I move that folder since years from one machine to another.
Its just a folder with shortcuts. On the Windows taskbar you make a right click "Toolbars > New toolbar" and i can select that folder.
Is something like that possible in MX? It looks like this:

windows_1.jpg

[Glasspoole]

Sorry. Somehow that posting was twice. So i did delete this one.

[figueroa]

In PCManFM you can set dual panel mode, or better yet, just launch two instances of PCManFM and it's easier to keep track of where you are.

Re: folder on the panel with all of your programs. Looks like psuedomenu to me. Learn to love the menu and whatever flavor of Linux you are working with. Trying to recreate the MS Windows look and feel is a wild (and wrong) goose chase. Your objective is to use the desktop effectively, not recreate the workarounds you made under MS Windows to try to make navigating Windows more effective.

[Glasspoole]

No workarounds. I just never used the start menu and had my folder where i have the stuff i need and find it quick.

How do two instances of PCManFM help with sorting the stuff in the "Side Pane", showing file properties in columns and dragging stuff with the right mouse button where you then can select "move", "copy" or "link"?

[asqwerth]

The window manager theme controls the thickness of the window borders.

For a thicker graspable window border, go to Settings Manager >> Window Manager and choose either the arc-dark-thick or greybird-thick WM themes.

[SwampRabbit]

4. Since XP i have a folder in the taskbar where i have all my programs. I move that folder since years from one machine to another.
Its just a folder with shortcuts. On the Windows taskbar you make a right click "Toolbars > New toolbar" and i can select that folder.
Is something like that possible in MX?

I think there is a Xfce panel plugin that will give you want you want or one that you can essentially create what you want. You might want to look there.

[eriefisher]

There are a tonne of different file managers for Linux. Too many to list and describe here. I would suggest trying them out and find the one that suites your needs.

Instead of trying to bend the system to your needs find out how it all works and what it will do. You will likely find an even better way to interact with you stuff.

[Glasspoole]

You will likely find an even better way to interact with you stuff.

I cant think of a better way then seeing all the file properties directly in the file manager

I did read Dolphin is sooo customizable. But i don't see it. How can i move the "location bar" or make the "Side Pane" background white?
Why cant i bring the stuff in the "Side Pane" in the order i want? They say in Linux the desktop is customizable how you want it. So I'm trying to find out where that is or how...
That red marked stuff looks stupid. Only PCManFM looks right to me:

Screenshot_2020-07-30_17-51-31_1.jpg

Don't get me wrong. I really want to use MX as desktop and trying to figure out how to arrange things that i have my most efficient workflow.

Oh and i did google for pseudomenu but found nothing...

[figueroa]

Change the "Folder View Mode" to detailed list. Then right click on the top of a column to add or remove whatever columns of information that you want. You will find the default MX XFCE menu to be all you hoped for. Explore more. Complain less.

I agree with your thoughts about PCManFM. It has been brilliantly conceived. Learning how to use it effectively and customize it to your tastes won't be as easy as falling off a log. Keep plugging away. BTW, you could also learn how to use Thunar effectively. Thunar is also brilliantly conceived.

[Glasspoole]

You will find the default MX XFCE menu to be all you hoped for. Explore more. Complain less.

For me its a mess. I want programs in folders i create and only programs in there that i need regularly.

Then right click on the top of a column to add or remove whatever columns of information that you want.

Only in Dolphin is a big choice of different columns. Thunar has none and PCManFM only 4...

Keep plugging away.

What means "keep plugging away"?