muCommander – Cross-Platform File Manager That Brings Back the Classic Feel
What is muCommander
muCommander is a Java-based, dual-pane file manager with a nostalgic vibe and modern features. It runs on just about anything — Windows, Linux, macOS — and looks familiar to anyone who ever used Norton Commander, Total Commander, or Midnight Commander.
What it brings to the table is portability and simplicity. You don’t install drivers, you don’t wait for indexing, and you’re not locked into one platform. It works from a USB stick or a shared folder just as well as from a local system.
It’s not about deep system integration or fancy context menus — it’s about being fast, predictable, and working the same everywhere.
Why People Still Use It
| Feature | What It Delivers |
| Dual-pane layout | Efficient file navigation and transfers |
| Platform-independent | Written in Java, runs anywhere with a JRE |
| Archive support | Open and edit ZIP, TAR, GZ, ISO, etc., like regular folders |
| Network support | FTP, SFTP, SMB, HTTP/HTTPS, NFS, Bonjour |
| File operations | Copy/move/delete/rename with dialogs and queueing |
| Tabbed interface | Multiple locations open at once |
| Built-in text viewer | Quick peek into files without launching external editors |
| Portable version | No install needed; runs from any path |
How to Get It Running
1. Install Java (if not already installed):
sudo apt install default-jre
2. Download the latest release:
https://github.com/mucommander/mucommander/releases
3. Launch it:
java -jar mucommander-.jar
Settings and preferences are saved in the user profile folder. It remembers layouts, connections, and last-used directories automatically.
Best Use Cases
– Admins who jump between platforms and want consistent file management
– Users looking for a Total Commander alternative on Linux or macOS
– Working with FTP/SFTP servers via GUI without installing separate clients
– Accessing and unpacking archives like folders
– Needing a portable file tool for IT work on different machines
