I am now dual-booting Vista and XP, just for the programs that run on XP and barely work on Vista. Instead of installing the programs on both Vista and XP, I’m running the programs off of my 2 gigabyte Cruzer micro usb drive. I’ve found some awesome programs that I’ve run smoothly right off the drive. Here are the top 10 recommended portable programs.
1. Firefox
Easily the most powerful open source browser is also availible in portable form. You can even save your bookmarks, addons, and history right to the usb.
Download
2. NVU Portable
Easy Html coding on the road with NVU. Whenever I need to code something in HTML really quickly. Download
3. GIMP Portable
Open Source Photoshop-like program. Portable edition helps so you don’t have to install all the stuff on your computer
Download
4. Filezilla
My FTP client of choice. Runs fast and allows you to upload on the fly.
Download
5. VLC
Great program for watching a lot of Video and Audio formats.
Download
6. Open Office
Similar to Microsoft Word, this document editor has much functionality
Download
7. 7-Zip
Unzips many file formats, such as RAR and ZIP
Download
8. Foxit Reader
Instead of using Adobe’s slow and junky PDF reader, use this free one thats fast.
Download
9. Miranda IM
Instant Messaging Program that works with AIM, Jabber, ICQ, IRC, MSN, Yahoo, Gadu-Gadu and more.
Download
10. Double Killer
A simple program that scans your hard drive for duplicates.
Download
Bonus: Learn how to Put Windows, Mac, and Linux on a usb stick.
(Note- I originally posted this on Feb 12 2008)
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