DirGuard

DirGuard is an advanced directory monitoring tool that contains approachable options for all types of users. It's capable of displaying balloons messages, playing audio alerts, recording logs, and sending emails when modifications have been made to folder contents, such as new or deleted files.

Installation and sytray integration

The setup operation is fast and shouldn't impose any difficulties. Although this isn't mentioned, the app is added to the Windows startup sequence, so it runs every time you boot your computer. This can be later disabled from the settings panel.
Once started, it creates a systray icon and indicates its presences through a balloon message. The main configuration panel has a simple design and intuitive layout, giving you the possibility to add multiple directories with different configurations to the watchlist.

Set directory monitor events and reactions

It can react on new, changed or deleted files, along with messages. This reaction may be represented by a systray balloon message, an event marked in the next email report, or an audio alert, depending on your preferences. Any favorite song from local file can be assigned, for example.

Manage the watchlist, view logs, and set the checkup frequency

It's possible to edit these properties or remove any folder from the watchlist if you change your mind, view a log with all files and messages, empty or deactivate it, change the default checkup frequency (ranging from 30 seconds to 30 minutes), as well as edit SMPT settings to send reports via email. The directories can be manually checked with one click anytime.
DirGuard minimizes to the systray to become minimally invasive and let you carry on with your regular PC activity while keeping an eye on any events.

Evaluation and conclusion

DirGuard comes packed with advanced, yet intuitive options to help your monitor directories and find out when file-level events occur. CPU and RAM consumption was low in our tests. Plus, it's free to use.