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.
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.
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.
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.
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
My option is: "I use portable software because I don't want unnecessary stuff written or left behind on the system."
I voted for #1, #7 and #8. I like using portable software. They're less hassle than installers and don't leave remaining behind.
I use Portable when (a) There is no Slim (=Clean) version. (b) The Full version is bundled with unnecessary stuff.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.