Portable applications.

Portable applications are programs you can run on your computer without installation. They are especially useful if you want to use a special program for a short time, such as a tool for removing a particular virus. A major benefit fr me is that I can carry about a huge suite of programs that will run on most windows PC's directly from my external drive.

Installed software

Installed software may create:

  • Temporary and backup files.
  • Registry entries. (Used for storing settings.)
  • Files in the user's profile folder.
  • "Most recently used" entries.
  • File associations - so it becomes a default for opening that file type.
  • DLL's, hardware drivers , etc. etc.

 

Portable

Advantages of portable apps:

  • No need to uninstall when you no longer need them.
  • Dont slow your computer down
  • Make every PC feel like your own
  • Use your favorite software everywhere
  • Carry your bookmarks and settings
  • Edit your documents, photos and more
  • Can run from a pen drive, mp3 player, tablet or smartphone

 

Portable Apps is a repository of portable applications, and also provides a platform for collecting and launching your portable applications. And of course it too is portable. Choose and get them from the Portable Apps repository, because they are all checked for malware. The portable apps platform also provides an easy way to keep the apps updated.

 

Some ideas for small portable apps for your collection: (all run from the portable apps platform on a memory stick)

Malware removal: Clamwin, Roguekiller, Adwcleaner, McAfee stinger; Recuva;

Office: AbiWord word processor, Notepad++, Sumatra pdf, Sylpheed email;

Diagnostics: HWInfo, HeavyLoad, HDDScan, CrystalDiskInfo, MemTest, WebCam Viewer;

Images: Fotografix image editor, GreenShot, IrfanView image viewer.

Maintenance: Back4Sure, CCleaner, Revo uninstaller, TreeSize free, BatteryInfoView.

32 or 64 bit? Many applications now available come in 32-bit and 64-bit builds. A 64 bit version will not run on a 32 bit OS; In general there is little benefit in running the 64 bit version so for compatibility I only use 32 bit versions. If you really need a 64 bit app consider an installable version.

Full list of portable apps I currently use

platform.