Do you use or avoid portable software? If so, why?

Discussion in 'polls' started by MrBrian, Apr 27, 2014.

?

Check all of the following that apply.

  1. That a given program is portable makes me more likely to use it, on at least some occasions.

    47.7%
  2. That a given program is portable makes me less likely to use it, on at least some occasions.

    11.4%
  3. That a given program is portable never makes me either more or less likely to use it.

    15.9%
  4. I use portable software because I don't have admin credentials needed by a program installer.

    11.4%
  5. I use portable software because I want to avoid giving a program installer admin privileges.

    13.6%
  6. I use portable software because I'm afraid that a program installer might make unwanted changes.

    36.4%
  7. I use portable software because using a program installer is a hassle.

    18.2%
  8. I use portable software because I don't want unnecessary stuff written or left behind on the system.

    70.5%
  9. I use portable software for privacy-related reasons.

    18.2%
  10. I use portable software because the program's settings are saved in the program's folder.

    43.2%
  11. I use portable software because I don't want to interfere with software already on a computer.

    36.4%
  12. I use portable software because they're easier to update.

    18.2%
  13. I use portable software because of some other reason. Explain why.

    6.8%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. MrBrian

    MrBrian Registered Member

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    Do you use or avoid portable software? If so, why?
     
  2. guest

    guest Guest

    I have a tendency of not using the portable version of a software and I usually go with the full installer. I guess I worry too much but, I just don't want the programs to not function properly. Doesn't mean I'm anti to portable software though.
     
  3. J_L

    J_L Registered Member

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    Portable FTW. #1, #6-12 applies to me.
     
  4. MrBrian

    MrBrian Registered Member

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    Of the first 3 choices, I voted for both of the first two, because on my own systems I usually try to avoid portable software (because I set policy that a typical program can't write to anyplace where execution is allowed), while on my USB stick (for use on other people's computers) I try to use portable software.
     
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2014
  5. luciddream

    luciddream Registered Member

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    I don't like programs that have no custom install and leave you no choice over where to put them, and just sling them into your OS partition *ahem - Hitman Pro*. So that's one other reason... but I didn't see that option until after I'd already voted. So I use HMP portable for that reason. And it'd be pointless to install in anyway, as the only reason to do so would be to take advantage of the shell scanning... but VT Hash Check has all the same engines, and then some. And has the same 32 MB limit too.
     
  6. SouthPark

    SouthPark Registered Member

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    South Park, CO
    I use portable software whenever possible because I prefer that programs be self-contained and not make changes to the registry or interfere with other software.
     
  7. bo elam

    bo elam Registered Member

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    Nicaragua
    Foxit portables version doesn't bundle anything, that the reason I use it instead of the regular version. I use it on both of my computers, in my W7, I also use Libres portable version. I guess it can be said that I use this programs to avoid unwanted changes to the system and because updating is very easy.

    Bo
     
  8. Sampei Nihira

    Sampei Nihira Registered Member

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    My option is:

    "I use portable software because I don't want unnecessary stuff written or left behind on the system."
     
  9. Minimalist

    Minimalist Registered Member

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    If it's possible I instal and use portable version of software.
     
  10. guest

    guest Guest


    same here
     
  11. ams963

    ams963 Registered Member

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    I voted for #1, #7 and #8. :) I like using portable software. They're less hassle than installers and don't leave remaining behind. :)
     
  12. ArchiveX

    ArchiveX Registered Member

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    I use Portable when

    (a) There is no Slim (=Clean) version.

    (b) The Full version is bundled with unnecessary stuff.
     
  13. new2security

    new2security Registered Member

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    I tend to use portable software in those cases where I rarely (but must) use a certain software.
     
  14. noone_particular

    noone_particular Registered Member

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    I don't have much need for portable software or portable computing for that matter. A large share of the software I use is portable, but it wasn't chosen for that reason. When I have a choice between an installer and a zipped version, I often choose the zipped version just because it's easier to work with and can be put wherever I want it. The only real exceptions are the few apps I use for servicing other PCs.
     
  15. moontan

    moontan Registered Member

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    I use portable programs whenever possible.

    I just like the ability to be able to put them on a USB key and use them on different machines.

    plus I like that all the settings are usually stored in the program folder.
     
  16. mrpink

    mrpink Registered Member

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    Are you sure you added enough options to the poll?:p
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2014
  17. mattdocs12345

    mattdocs12345 Registered Member

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    Portable software usually doesn't have auto-update workings as well as permanent software. So I try to avoid portable apps whenever possible. I like my software to update in the background without my need to click on anything.
     
  18. guest

    guest Guest

    Another thing is it can get confusing where to put the software folder in 64-bit systems, Program Files or Program Files x86? Then I just put them in the 64-bit folder regardless where it was supposed to be. :argh:
     
  19. pajenn

    pajenn Registered Member

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    For software I use rarely, like GIMP, I prefer portable software. I think it's a bit more hassle because it doesn't add entries to your context menu, for example, etc. but that's also the plus side i.e. it's out of the way when not needed. I also keep portable software on a separate partition so they don't take up space in or slow down my system drive backups.
     
  20. Snoop3

    Snoop3 Registered Member

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    me too. i have a separate partition with hundreds of portable apps. This way its easy to wipe an re-install the Windows OS partition from time to time and not worry about having to re-install a bunch of programs that clog up the registry.
     
  21. TairikuOkami

    TairikuOkami Registered Member

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    I do not use portable, because they are difficult to update: unpack/copy/paste, an installer is faster.
    Also portable do not write to the registry mostly, so they are harder to incorporate into the system.
    But I use teamviewer portable, because setup version requires a service to be running nonstop.
     
  22. J_L

    J_L Registered Member

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    I put them in a separate folder on C:\ (called Standalone Files). That helps separate them from installed programs, and you won't face this issue (I doubt it'll matter too much to Windows in the first place though).
     
  23. moontan

    moontan Registered Member

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    same here, I put them in a folder suitably named "Portable" in user space.
    I don't want to put them in Program Files folders because those are restricted.
     
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2014
  24. guest

    guest Guest

    Yes but the software files won't be protected. And I'll have to allow executables specifically in my SRP rules. GIMP is going to be a PITA if I took the portable version.
     
  25. Noob

    Noob Registered Member

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    I dont use portable software but that doesnt means im against them.
     
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