FolderSizes Release Notes



Version 1.0.0.4 (Released July 12th, 2003)

• Yet another fairly radical re-factoring of the FolderSizes reporting systems. Reports can now be run at any time and implement their own fine-tuned drive/folder scanning algorithm. The graphical interface for reports has also changed extensively – all reports are now contained within a single window, and you can switch between them at will. All reports are also generated at the same time, when any drive or folder is selected for report generation. Previous report paths are also “remembered” in a drop-down edit box, for quick access later.
• A new “oldest files” report has been introduced. This report (perhaps obviously) finds the oldest files within the folder or drive path provided by the user. The output is integrated with the new reporting window, described above.
• All button tool tips have been enhanced and re-written for maximum clarity.
• Extended the set of keyboard accelerators (shortcuts) available.
• The product documentation has been updated and extended to cover the most recent set of changes. The docs were also re-organized.

To download the latest version:

foldersizes.exe (1.7 MB)

FolderSizes Release Notes

Version 1.0.0.3 (Released July 5th, 2003)

• Changed a variety of internal program hyperlinks.
  
  
• Made extensive changes to compiler optimizations for increased overall speed.
  
  
• Implemented new folder enumeration cache. This system allows for the caching of previously scanned file system objects, making for a much quicker browsing experience when exploring cached folders and subfolders. Using the refresh button (toolbar button or menu item) will force an invalidation of the cache for the current folder node (and all of its children).
  
  
• Implemented several memory optimizations.
  
  
• Made numerous improvements to the folder enumeration engine.
  
  
• Resolved defect that was causing the text sorting in the “largest files” report list control to be case-sensitive.
  
  
• The way in which folder reports are generated has changed quite a bit. Previously, you needed to execute a folder scan prior to accessing a report. This is no longer true; reports are now generated separately from “general” folder scans. This helps to minimize the impact of the new caching mechanism, and also provides greater flexibility for the end user.
• Numerous other minor fixes and improvements.

To download the latest version:

foldersizes.exe (1.7 MB)

Ok, here’s a more recent screenshot of FolderSizes version 1.0, currently in beta.

[screen shot no longer available]

Click the screen shot for a larger image.

To download, use the link provided below.

The second beta release of FolderSizes (version 1.0) is now available.

IMPORTANT: please only use the following download link (those further on down the page no longer work):

foldersizes.exe (1.7 MB)

Note that the new installer file is much smaller than the previous ones, and it now works for all operating systems (regardless of whether MS Installer already exists on your system).

Again, please make sure you contact me if you find any defects, or if you have comments / suggestions.

Today I am releasing the first beta of FolderSizes 1.0 – a free software tool designed to help people see how their hard drive space is being consumed.

The beta code has been tested on Windows 98SE, ME, 2k, and XP. There are two separate installation files, depending upon whether you already have Microsoft Installer… ummm… installed. If you’re running a newer OS like XP, then you don’t need to worry about. If you’re not sure, just download the larger package – MS Installer is updated during installation only if required.

FolderSizes.msi (2.5 MB) – use this one if you already have the latest MS Installer

FolderSizes.zip (5.7 MB) – if you don’t already have MS Installer, or you’re not sure

Please be sure to report any problems you experience. I’m also very interested in any comments you might have, even if they’re critical. Let it fly!

Once the installation is complete and you start the program (from your start menu), select a folder or hard drive from the left-hand folder docking pane, which will initiate a scan (and report on the results).

I look forward to hearing comments!

This is really off topic, and I’m not typically one to wax philosophic about a computer… I mean, for crying out loud, I’ve lost count of how many I’ve owned throughout my many years as a technophile.

But even so, I have to say that the 16″ LCD screen on this Sony Vaio GRX650 is just absolutely gorgeous. Sure, the CPU is fast enough (1.8 GHz), it has lots of RAM (512MB), blah blah blah. And yes, it’s heavy as hell for a laptop (over 8lbs), but who frickin’ cares… it’s that huge 1600×1200 native resolution LCD that gets me going. For the first time, I can work within the MS Visual C++ IDE without feeling cramped, and without a hint of eyestrain.

They’ll be prying this one from my cold, dead hands.

I’m very close at this point to having beta code ready for people to beat up on.

The installation package is now complete, and I’ve tested FolderSizes successfully on WinME, Win2k, and Windows XP. I hope to test it on Win98 SE fairly soon.

I’d say that a public beta release is probably only about a week or so away now.

The beta version of the software will stop operating 60 days after it is installed (there is a warning each time the program is started). This is done only to help discourage the widespread distribution of beta-quality code even after the official (non-beta) release, which will not have this limitation.

Again, if you’re itching to try it sooner, email me and I’ll give you a sneak peek.