Folder Tag running on the Verizon-branded Android Galaxy Tab

Five Apps

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1. Folder Tag CIFS

rnrnFolderrnTag CIFS is a SMB/CIFS plugin for the FolderrnTag file manager. With this plugin you can manipulate (move/copy) files tornand from a network share with ease. With this file manager you add all foldersrnas ‘tags’. These tags enable you to quickly open folders by ‘tags’, similar torntagging files and folders on a desktop PC. You can filter and sort tags as wellrnas open, send, create, store, delete, rename all tags. The Folder Tag filernmanager has plenty of other plugins, but the CIFS plugin is the only one yournneed in order to connect to your SMB shares. To add a share first tap Addrn(upper right corner – Figure A).

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Credit: Image by JackrnWally for TechRepublic

Creating an SMB connection in Folder Tag

In the resulting window, enter the connection details (FigurernB) and tap OK.

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Credit: Image by JackrnWally for TechRepublic

The Astro File Manager main window

2. Astro File Manager

rnrnAstrornFile Manager is one of the finest file managers available for the Androidrnplatform. Once installed, nothing more need be added – SMB connectivity isrnbuilt in. Astro has an outstanding interface that makes every aspect of usagernsimple. Of course, Astro also has plenty of other features – most important isrnbuilt-in cloud support (Facebook, Dropbox, Google Drive, Box or SkyDrive). Tornconnect to an SMB share with Astro, tap Create New Location (Figure C).

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Credit: Image by JackrnWally for TechRepublic

An SMB share in the Astro file manager

From the resulting screen, tap SMB server and then fill inrnthe address of the share and tap Save. Once the connection is made, the sharernwill appear in the file manager (Figure D).

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Credit: Image by JackrnWally for TechRepublic

The AndSMB connection creation window

3. AndSMB

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AndSMBrnmight not have the prettiest interface, but it’s one of the more powerfulrnSMB-capable file managers on the list. This is the manager you want if you needrnto keep numerous shares saved on your Android device – each with differentrnauthentication. AndSMB allows you to manage local and SMB files with downloadrnand upload support. The interface is fairly bare-bones, but it’s incrediblyrneasy to use. To create an SMB connection, tap the Add button from the mainrnwindow, enter the necessary information (Figure E), and tap Save.

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Credit: Image by JackrnWally for TechRepublic

Shared folders as seen from AndSMB

Once you’ve saved thernconnection, you can tap Connect from the listing in the main window to connectrnto that share (Figure F).

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Credit: Image by JackrnWally for TechRepublic

Creating an SMB connection with ES File Explorer

4. ES File Explorer

rnrnESrnFile Explorer has the sleekest interface of the group and allows you tornconnect to SMB shares as well as cloud services and FTP servers. ES File Explorerrnalso has one of the largest feature sets of all the file managers (built-inrnviewers, built-in zip/rar support, application manager, root explorer, taskrnkiller, and more). With the SMB connection you can copy/move files to and fromrnthe share. To create an SMB connection tap the New button and then fill out thernnecessary information for the share (Figure G).

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Credit: Image by JackrnWally for TechRepublic

Connected to a SMB share in ES File Explorer

Once connected, the share folders/files will appear in thernmain window (Figure H).

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Credit: Image by JackrnWally for TechRepublic

The File Manager connection window

5. File Manager (Explorer)

rnrnFile Managerrn(Explorer) falls in line with AndSMB, with regards to its interface. Butrndon’t let the simplistic interface fool you; File Manager makes working withrnSMB shares powerful and easy. With features like grid view, bookmarks, search,rnFTP file sharing, streaming media playback, multi-select, list and grid view,rncloud storage support, photo/video thumbnail support, built-in text editor, andrnmore – File Manager is perfect for those looking for a minimalist interfacernwith maximum features. To create an SMB connection, tap Create and then fillrnout the SMB connection information (Figure I).

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Credit: Image by JackrnWally for TechRepublic

Connected to an SMB share with File Manager

Once connected (Figure J), you can work with files,rnset bookmarks for folders, and much more.

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Bottom line

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You are limited to your local file system on an Androidrndevice. With the help of these SMB connection tools, you can easily managernfiles and folders on a local network share. Give one of these a try and see ifrnit doesn’t help to extend the capabilities of your Android device well beyondrnthe local file system.

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Credit: Image by JackrnWally for TechRepublic