Windows Explorer is not exactly the best file management system in the world but it does its job and Windows users don't have many other options.
However, Emerge Desktop is an interface replacement for Windows Explorer that doesn't really change the fundamental structure but does change the shell. Emerge Desktop works by providing a system tray called emergeTray which provides instant access to programs that are normally accessed with the Windows "Start" menu via a right-click on the desktop, As Microsoft have moved further towards opening up the code to Windows, Windows Explorer is one area that is undergoing improvement by various developers and Emerge Desktop takes advantage of this increased access to API calls.
Each part of Emerge Desktop (the tray and the taskbar) are individual executables called applets. These applets are all optional as part of Emerge Desktop and can be run individually on top of any other shell, including Explorer. Using Emerge Desktop's applets is a slightly slower experience than using Windows Explorer on its own but once you get used to it, it feels and looks a lot better. However, it can be annoying if you want to change back to Explorer because you have to reboot or log off to change back. To do this, just right click anywhere on the desktop and select "Settings" and "Change Desktop Shell".
Emerge Desktop has a lot of potential to advance Windows Explorer beyond that even available in Vista although if you find yourself switching between it and Explorer, it may be more hassle than it's worth.
