Among computer software, portable programs occupy, if not a leading position, then at least one of the first places. This is due not only to the convenience of their use and launch from any storage medium, but also to the convenience of transportation in terms of the fact that the program can be written to disk or a regular USB flash drive. So, let's try to understand the main topic "Portable soft - what is it?". Understanding this is always useful, especially to save disk space, reduce the consumption of system resources, and even when restoring the system after virus attacks.
Portable: what does it mean?
To begin with, we will determine the term itself, logically based on the translation of a word from English. In this case, the translation and interpretation of the concept of what a portable version of the program is, we use in relation to computer systems.
Generally speaking, portable means a portable (portable, portable, stand-alone) program that can be stored on any removable storage medium and does not require installation of a computer or laptop on the hard drive to run or function. The benefits of such applications are obvious.
The difference between portable versions and installed applications
To consider this issue, we ask some initial conditions. So, we have the portable version of the program. What this means in terms of standard methods for installing and using the application is easy to understand with a simple example.
Probably, there is no need to explain that in the standard version for installing the software product in the computer system, as a rule, a special file is provided, usually called Setup.exe, which starts the installation process, which involves unpacking and copying the main program modules to the computerâs hard drive, executable file for launching the main application, additional dynamic libraries, databases used in the work, and even virtual device drivers, which can be used as con rollers. A vivid example of such a controller is the virtual âlotionâ driver for Guitar Rig guitarists.
Now consider the main question: what is portable soft. Unlike installed programs and applications, portable software packages do not require installation on a hard drive. They are launched using a single executable file with the extension .exe, which is located in the program folder. For example, if appropriate conditions are specified, the same data downloaders from torrent trackers can immediately unzip archive files to disk in the form of a new directory with the same name as the downloaded torrent. It remains only to enter the desired folder and run the appropriate file to get started.
Portable Package Composition
What does the portable version mean in relation to what the composition of the components necessary for the launch and correct operation of any portable application can be, we will try to figure it out now.
Serious software products cannot consist of only one program launch file. It requires the presence of many additional components (the same DLLs or databases).
Naturally, the versions of applications themselves can vary greatly in composition. It doesnât matter that the package version indicates that this is exactly the Portable version. What does this mean in terms of data content? Itâs worth mentioning right away that such packages are much smaller in size than even similar installation distributions.
Not to mention the above components, it can be noted that there are quite interesting programs presented in a single file. What is most interesting is that it is not always a file with the extension .exe (executable-file). There are quite a few options in the form of using self-extracting archives or Java applications. They are launched provided that the necessary basic programs and platforms are initially installed in the system.
So, for example, the loader from the popular DepositFiles file sharing service called DF Manager is generally presented as a file with the .jar extension, which allows it to be used in both mobile and computer systems (Java platform support is needed).
How portable programs work
It seems that it is already clear that the principle of operation of portable programs and applications is fundamentally different from the stationary software products installed in the system. The fact is that during the standard installation process, not only all the main components are copied to the hard disk. Corresponding entries are also made in the system registry (without this, the OS will simply not accept the OS).
Here the portable version comes to the rescue. What does this mean based on the use of the registry? Everything is quite simple. As already clear, the installation is not needed. Accordingly, the program does not create keys in the registry at startup (even if it does, it creates temporary keys that are automatically deleted at the end of work).
The advantages are obvious: the system does not boot, and the launch of other applications is fast enough. In general, a portable program occupies the minimum space in the same RAM, and in most cases it does not affect the loading of the central processor at all.
Where portable applications are used
Areas where portable versions of programs are used can be enumerated for a very long time. The most popular in this regard are applications for downloading files, boot-managers for operating systems, anti-virus scanners, optimizers, etc. There are even full-fledged graphic and music packages.
Operating system emulators
Programs that can emulate a full-fledged "OS" with all its functions are almost the most popular. In the event of a system malfunction, such boot managers play a paramount role. Not only do they allow you to install the system, which is called âfrom scratchâ, such applications are also able to recreate some kind of OS with support for the drives and drivers used.
Suppose we have a disk with the boot manager version and the Windows 7 emulator Portable. What does it mean? This means that an almost complete system will be downloaded to the computer and will allow you to use, if not all, then most of its functions. As a rule, such applications are launched either from an optical disk or from a flash drive.
You will have to pay attention to the BIOS, where the appropriate boot priority must be indicated (Boot Priority / First Boot Device / CD / DVD or USB). Partition and command names may vary depending on the BIOS manufacturer, but this does not change the essence.
Antivirus and diagnostic tools
Antivirus protection is the most popular area of ââapplication for portable programs. When a computer is infected with viruses, the programs themselves, working under the control of the "OS" (stationary), cannot always perform a full scan. In particular, this applies to startup items. In other words, there may be threats at the start of the OS, but the antivirus, if it recognizes them, does not delete them.
Another thing is when the portable version of the antivirus starts before the OS starts. Using the example application Kaspersky Rescue Disc, you will notice that the utility starts from a disk or flash drive before Windows starts.
At the same time, the program is able to detect and delete threats located in RAM, boot sectors, not to mention other threats in the application cache or in e-mail. Note that after loading Windows, such actions can be simply impossible. In most cases, this utility allows you to restore the system when other tools are powerless.
How to create a portable version of the application yourself
If we talk about how to make a portable version of a program of any type, do not flatter yourself. From professional applications to create such a package will not work. But for lower-level programs, this technique is applicable.
Some advise deleting files like Uninstall before creating. Letâs say right away: itâs not worth it (you never know, maybe then you will have to âdemolishâ the program from the computer).
But this is not the main thing. You can use specialized utilities to create portable versions of the Thinstall Virtualization type, or you can do even simpler using the usual WinRAR archiver.
The whole procedure comes down to using the button to create an SFX archive, after which you need to select the "Create Continuous Archive" command.
Then, the path âIn the current folderâ is indicated in the archive settings, and then the âModesâ tab is used using the âUnpack to temporary folderâ command, where a checkmark is displayed next to the âHide allâ information output line. Now on the tab "Text and Graphics" you can select a logo (icon), if, of course, you need it. It remains only to confirm their actions. At the end of the procedure, you will get a portable version that can be copied to removable media.
Warning!
Not all programs are subject to such procedures. If the package itself contains a sufficiently large number of related library files or links to third-party databases, it is better not to do this (both in time and the destination of the final package will not work).