PC
Magazine, Bruce Brown,
Visualize Your Disk Drive
"Most new computers come with [large] hard disks. So
why do we run out of disk space so soon after purchasing these new systems? Micro Logic
Corp.'s DiskMapper is an essential tool that provides an answer in the form of a
graphical map showing what's stored where and what's hogging all that disk space. DiskMapper
displays a disk's contents as a series of color-coded boxes. Each box represents a
directory, subdirectory, or file.
The program is visual and extremely intuitive because the relationship of each
rectangle to the entire map is proportional to the amount of hard disk space used by that
object. Unlike Explorer, File Manager, or other list-based representations of a disk's
contents, DiskMapper's results are readily apparent at a glance. Because the DiskMapper
rectangles are nested, a top-level directory's size is the same regardless of whether its
contents reach one level down or several levels. This is useful for uncovering that 30MB
database stored five levels below the root.
DiskMapper can map any physical or logical drive, including those on a network server.
Performance is quite reasonable. Mapping a drive with nearly 10,000 files took
only about 20 seconds, although it took over 4 minutes to map a volume with
more than 27,000 files.
By default, the program color-codes directories and files based on their levels in the
directory tree. But you can also elect to color the boxes based on a file's or directory's
age, extension, archive bit, or protection status (read-only or hidden, for example), or
on whether it has been changed since its creation. There are 23 supplied color schemes,
and you can make your own.
DiskMapper can also zip, unzip, launch, and delete files. A full installation of
DiskMapper uses about 500K of disk space, but the program gives you the opportunity to
save at least that much space by finding old or unused files. The retail version is well
worth its cost. And if you order DiskMapper from Micro Logic's Web site, you'll get a
discount.
DiskMapper is an indespensable utility for keeping track of what's really on your
hard disk drive and where it's hiding.
Requires:4MB RAM, 350K hard disk space. |
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Here's how it works:
When you first run DiskMapper, just click on the "Drive" button to select
which drive you want to map. If you have one drive, it will be mapped automatically.
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If you have more than one drive or want to see who is hogging all the
space on a network drive, use this simple dialog to choose the drive you want to map. |
What you'll see when you first run DiskMapper
First you'll see an overview map of your entire hard disk. You'll see the size of every
file and every subdirectory. Each rectangle's size is proportional to the space taken up
by its corresponding file or directory on your hard disk. You'll be surprised at how much
space some of your files and directories take up ... and how little others use!
"The very first time you run DiskMapper,
it will feel like a light has been turned on
inside your hard disk drive, illuminating a
previously hidden world of information.
-- Jim Lewis, President Micro Logic
DiskMapper works so well because your brain works better with graphical
input. Standard file managers are for the left side of your brain; DiskMapper is for the
right side. When you see your disk graphically it becomes much more real. You'll manage
your files better and faster.
DiskMapper offers you a basic new tool that helps you get the most out of your
computer.
To order click here or continue
the tour.
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