SPFLite

Based on IBM's Interactive System Productivity Facility (ISPF), SPFLite serves as both a file manager and text editor. It is designed mainly for people who are used to working on mainframe computers, rather than PCs. It provides basic ISPF functionality, but it also makes things easy by adding all the advantages a PC interface has to offer. You can work through command lines and use the mouse for various operations at the same time.

SPFLite works on all modern Windows systems. Although it comes as a shareware product, you can use it for as long as you want, without registering, but you will occasionally get a reminder to register. The installation process is quick and it doesn't involve any complex settings, but you will have to go through a few initial configurations when you run the application for the first time.

If you have used a PC all your life, it wouldn't make much sense to praise most of SPFLite's features. However, if you compare it to the traditional ISPF, you will see that it's actually a massive improvement. The application brings a basic ISPF functionality to the table. Its user interface consists almost entirely of text and you can navigate through folders, open files and perform various operations by using command lines.

What makes SPFLite interesting is the fact that it uses modern-day features to streamline its basic ISPF functionality. Besides using command lines, you can also click to access files and folders, drag and drop files, clone them, make use of Undo and Redo commands, copy content to the clipboard and more.

Another advantage over the old ISPF is the fact that you can work on multiple tabs. You can navigate through your local folders and edit one or more files at the same time, on the same user interface, on separate tabs. While it is possible to use command lines to open or close tabs, it can be done much easier with the mouse. When you click a file to open it, a new tab will be created automatically. Also, if you want to close it, you can simply right-click the tab.

SPFLite's simple and efficient approach to ISPF can improve your productivity tenfold.