Best portable software
In this time of bigger and better you would almost forget that it’s possible to use programs without installing from a portable device like USB memory sticks, flashcards, CDR-W, portable hard disks, MP3 players and iPods. Especially since storage capacity of USB memory sticks is now 4 GB and running. You could almost say that you carry your computer without actually taking it with you.
For those still familiar with DOS: xcopy was enough to transport a program from one computer to the other. But with today’s Windows environments programs want to install all kinds of files on your hard disk and alter your Windows register. On top of that they write DLL files to the system folder. So loading a program on your USB memory stick is almost impossible and when you’re ready to use it you have to install all files on the computer.
Now why would you want to work with applications from a portable device? Because it’s easy to carry your own browser with access to your own favorites. Or to use your own email program with your own contacts. This is especially the case when you find yourself in a public internet spot (like a library or internet cafe). As soon as you pull out your USB stick your personal data is safe because it can’t be found on the computer. Now that’s safe (see also Better protection). It could also be useful when giving a presentation with another computer than your own. Or when you’re abroad handling financial business. You can take all your settings and passwords with you. It’s also possible to use an Instant Messenger with your contacts from a portable device.
A complete portable application suite fits onto a 256 MB memory stick. The famous OpenOffice is made available in a portable version. Ofcourse it’s not the ‘regular’ complete application suite with wizards and templates to guide you, but all basic software like text editors, spreadsheets, presentation programs and database applications is available.
Are there any disadvantages? You must know that slow USB sticks can’t handle fast working and reacting programs. And if you’re used to Microsoft Office you have to get used to free opensource software.
The portable application suite (117MB) consists of:
- Portable Firefox (web browser)
- Portable Thunderbird (emailprogram)
- Portable OpenOffice.org (office suite)
- Portable AbiWord (text editor)
- Portable NVU (web editor)
- Portable Sunbird (calender & to do list)
- Portable FileZilla (FTP program)
- Portable Gaim (instant messenger)
and fits onto a 256 MB USB stick. However it’s even better to use a 512 MB stick.
There’s even a light version (without Portable OpenOffice) that’s only 44 MB in size and therefore a 128 MB stick could do the job.
With PStart you can start the portable applications from your temporary computer. Instead of Windows hyperlinks, PStart uses relative paths when installed on a portable device. If a USB stick gets another drive letter on a PC you can still use the programs. You can also use PStart with portable programs from a burnt disc.
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