In article , Tony Cooper
wrote:

an asset manager is the alternative.

i didn't tell him *which* asset manager because that's *his* choice.

How would you expect a person who is seeking a simple way to renumber
photos to know what an "asset manager" is?

there is nothing simple about renaming files.

Suggesting an alternative is done by writing something like "You could
use an asset manager like..." and naming a program or two and
providing links. You can add that there are other asset managers.

a google search for asset manager would show many options.

lightroom is a popular choice but it's not the only one.

It's also a program for which the user is charged. He can use a trial
version for free for 30 days, but he will not be able to use it again
without paying unless he cheats somehow.

try reading for comprehension.

lightroom is not the only choice. there are others.

lightroom is well worth the price to many and one reason why it's
*very* popular, but again, it's not the only option.

for those on a tight budget there are less expensive and even free
solutions.

Changing the file name can do more than provide a
list of file names. Depending on the Viewer used, it can display
information in a simpler way that looking at the EXIF data and it can
be used as a sorting data point.

asset managers do all of that and more without having to change or
rename anything, making users much more productive.

managing photos (or any asset) via the filesystem is primitive and
inefficient. that's why asset mangers exist, which are designed and
optimized to manage assets. not only are they more efficient but they
do a lot more too. there is no downside.

There is no downside to renaming the files to meet a desire or need.

yes there is. it's work that does not need to be done which is *always*
a downside.



There are reasons to assign file numbers. To deny that reasons exist
is ridiculous. Especially when the denial is based only on your own
situation.

it's not based on my own situation and in fact, it has absolutely
nothing to do with anything i do.

the fact, which you refuse to acknowledge, is that an app designed for
managing assets, in this case photos, will always be more efficient and
more productive than doing it manually in a file manager that knows
nothing about assets, where the user has to manually move and rename
files.