Freedom251 › File Manager Software
FM/2
What FM/2 is
FM/2 is a free, GNU GPL-licensed graphical file manager for OS/2. It supports archives and is presented by its project as a broad utility for managing files through a GUI. Version 3.26 is identified as the current release. The software was originally written by Mark Kimes, who later allowed the project to take over maintenance and support. Releases and beta builds are uploaded to Netlabs FTP directories, and the project says the current version is usually available from Hobbesarchive and elsewhere. The project provides source browsing and Subversion checkout instructions for its trunk. Users can ask questions on the FM/2 user mailing list, while developers have a separate list. Issue tickets require a Netlabs account. Popup errors are written to stderr, with FAQ guidance for logging them. The FAQ also covers debug builds, Open Watcom debugging, and slower Netdrive scans that may show inaccurate capacity figures after configuration changes.
Who it suits
FM/2 suits OS/2 users who need a graphical file manager with archive support. It also fits users interested in open-source code access, mailing-list support, and troubleshooting guidance.
What it does well
- Free GNU GPL software
- Supports OS/2
- Includes archive support
- Source browsing and checkout instructions
- User and developer mailing lists
What to know first
- OS/2 is the listed platform
- Netdrive scans may be slow
- Capacity figures may become inaccurate
- Issue tickets require a Netlabs account
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| FM/2 | GNU GPL licensed software · OS/2 GUI file manager | Free |
As trac.netlabs.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
FM/2 provides a free OS/2 file-management workspace with archive handling and accessible project resources. Its Netdrive behavior and OS/2-only support are important considerations.
Facts from FM/2's own pages
- Archive support
- Yes · trac.netlabs.org, 24 Sept 2026
- Current release
- The project page identifies version 3.26 as the current release. · trac.netlabs.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Debugging
- The FAQ recommends building FM/2 with debug files and describes debugging it with the Open Watcom debugger. · trac.netlabs.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The project says releases and betas are uploaded to Netlabs FTP directories and that the current release is usually available from Hobbesarchive and elsewhere. · trac.netlabs.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · trac.netlabs.org, 24 Sept 2026
- Issue reporting
- Creating tickets requires logging in with a Netlabs account. · trac.netlabs.org, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The maintainers release FM/2 under the GNU GPL license. · trac.netlabs.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Network drive note
- The FAQ says Netdrive drives may scan slowly and describes configuration changes that can improve scanning, with a tradeoff that reported drive capacity and free space may be inaccurate. · trac.netlabs.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Origin
- FM/2 was originally written by Mark Kimes, who allowed the project to take over its maintenance and support. · trac.netlabs.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- OS/2 · trac.netlabs.org, 24 Sept 2026
- Product
- FM/2 is described as a GUI file manager and the “Swiss Army Knife” of GUI file managers. · trac.netlabs.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Source access
- The project provides source browsing and Subversion checkout instructions for the trunk. · trac.netlabs.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can seek support through the FM/2 user mailing list; a separate developers mailing list is also available. · trac.netlabs.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Troubleshooting
- FM/2 writes popup error messages to stderr, and the FAQ explains how to capture them in a log. · trac.netlabs.org, 12 Oct 2026
Where FM/2 stands on Freedom251
- File Manager Software#71 of 100