What sets  Explorer 2005 apart is the vast amount of information that the application provides to users about s and folders as well as the ability to encrypt them.  Unlike the included  Explorer of Windows Mobile,  Explorer 2005 allows users to see just how large a  or folder is by tapping-and-holding the folder and selecting Properties (Figure 8). When the Properties are displayed, users can see if the  or folder is a system folder as well as being able to change the properties of the  to Read Only, Hidden or other settings (Figure 9).

 Explorer 2005 also allows for users to encrypt and compress s.  The encryption process is accessed off of the menu in  Explorer after a  has been selected by tapping-and-holding.  When a  is encrypted, users are prompted to provide a password (Figure 10) as well as select the type of encryption to be used (Figure 11).  Once the  is encrypted, it can be transferred to the host PC via ActiveSync and if the  Explorer 2005 shell extensions were installed, can be decrypted.  In addition to encryptions, s and folders can also be compressed and added to a ZIP  (Figure 12).  The ZIP  created by  Explorer 2005 is the same that is used by desktop PCs so the  can be opened both on the Windows Mobile device as well as the desktop.  Like most desktop versions, the ZIP s in  Explorer 2005 can be password protected.  For Windows Mobile 2003 and 2002 owners, the Microsoft High Encryption Pack is available for download from the Resco website at http://www.resco.net/pocketpc/explorer/downloads.asp.   

Within  Explorer 2005 users have the benefit of a search feature as well as an Open With feature, something that normally is reserved for the desktop version of Explorer.  The search function allows users search for s and folders on their device by typing in keywords as well as wildcard searches with the asterisk (Figure 13).  The search function can search the entire device or can search in only specified folders such as My Documents.  Once s are found, if it is an extension that is not recognized by Windows Mobile, users now have the option to select which application to use to open it.  By tapping and holding the  and selecting Open With… users can choose which application to use to open a particular  (Figure 14).  This is particularly handy when opening text-based log s with the .log extension for example.  Users can also send a  to a variety of locations including Bluetooth Recipients, Infrared Recipients, the Resco Today Plug in and Shortcuts via the Send To menu (Figure 15).  The Send To options will vary based on the communication options available on each individual Windows Mobile device.

In keeping with the trend of being able to do many desktop functions,  Explorer 2005 provides users with the option to change what s and folders are displayed to them via the >Options Menu.  For example, in the General tab, users can choose to use Clear Type and if they want the application to open where it was when it was last closed (Figure 16).  In the Browser options tab, hidden system s can be displayed – including s in ROM – as well as  extensions and if a split screen viewing is desired (Figure 17).   

With  Explorer 2005, users now have the ability to map to network drives that are available to them on their network.  To map to a drive, users tap the Map Drive icon on the  Explorer taskbar and select Map Drive… (Figure 18).  Using the Windows Mobile’s WiFi or other network connectivity, the available PCs on their network are presented to the users.  Once a PC or Server is selected, users are requested to enter authentication credentials to allow them access to the device (Figure 19).  Once authenticated, users are given a tree of all of the folders or s available for them to map too (Figure 20).  Once a map is created, it will stay available (assuming the source remains available) every time  Explorer 2005 is started.  The ability to natively map drives is a key feature of the application and sets it apart from many other  explorer-like applications.

Two key features that set Resco  Explorer 2005 apart from the many  explorer-like applications available today are the included Registry Editor and the FTP Session application.  These two features, combined with all of the functions already mentioned, make  Explorer 2005 stand well above others in this crowd. 

The Registry Editor is strikingly similar to that of the Windows desktop version of the application.  It is accessed via the Start>Programs menu or within  Explorer 2005 itself.  Once started, the Registry of the Windows Mobile device is presented in an explorer-like window with expandable sections for each of the HKEY values (Figure 21).  Like the desktop counterpart, the Registry Editor in  Explorer 2005 allows users to add or delete specific keys.  Within the editor, users can also search for specific words or keys using the built-in search function (Figure 22).  This search function can search the entire registry or specific sections of it. 

It should go without saying that editing the registry on your Windows Mobile device is tricky business.  By deleting or editing keys, you could render your device inoperable and be forced to hard-reset the device.  Caution should be used at all time.

The FTP application in  Explorer 2005 is intuitive and structured much like the explorer application itself.  To start an FTP sessions, users can go to Start>Programs or can start it within  Explorer 2005 itself, just as the Registry Editor.  When a sessions is started, users are prompted to server and authentication information (Figure 23).  Once access and authentication is completed, users are presented the FTP servers s and folders in  Explorer 2005(Figure 24).  s can be uploaded and downloaded just as they are on the desktop versions of similar applications.

It is difficult to find anything not to like about Resco  Explorer 2005.  The application is well written, performs flawlessly and at only $24.95 (US), an exceptional value.  Backing up this terrific application is outstanding customer support from Resco.  Support is available via email and online FAQs.  Additionally, the built-in help s for  Explorer 2005 are well written and detailed. 

Resco offers a 30-day demonstration version of  Explorer 2005 on their website at http://www.resco.net.  The current version of  Explorer 2005 is available for Windows Mobile 5, Windows Mobile 2003 SE, 2003 and 2002 devices.

Clinton Fitch
Senior Editor
Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com! (http://www.clintonfitch.com)
HPC:Factor (http://www.hpcfactor.com)