So, what if you needed a computer that was completely separate from your other computer? You can do a lot on your phone today. But what if you want a full screen and a real keyboard? Enter PortableApps.

I was working someplace where I needed/wanted applications I didn't want on my work computer. For that matter, installing applications (back when they were programs) was difficult as well. I found PortableApps and ran it and wiki on a stick from a USB drive. There were some real advantages. My notes, in the wiki were with me at whatever computer I was sitting at.

But PortableApps allows you to have an “office experience” on a USB drive. Your applications and files all ride in your pocket. End the PortableApps and take the USB drive out, everything comes with you.

I have not used PortableApps is a few years, but I still get their newsletter. They have made some changes. One, you can install PortableApps to a cloud drive. So, from a computer, you can open your Dropbox, then run a computer, then surf the net from the net.

A USB drive.
The installer from https://portableapps.com

USB drives are almost becoming obsolete. They are also cheap. For this test, I bought a 16Gb drive for $5.50. Gotcha! PortableApps will re-write the USB drive. Use a blank one.

Download and run the installer. You now have the PortableApp environment, but no apps.