Start and run programs from the USB stick
You can start programs directly from the USB stick. We'll explain how it works.
Start and run portable programs directly from the USB stick
- To start programs directly from the USB stick, you need so-called "portable versions". At CHIP Online you have your own category.
- Install the programs as usual. Select your USB stick as the installation target.
- With the freeware Cameyo you can turn almost any software into a portable version. However, it does not work with certain types of copy protection. The program to be converted is also not allowed to use absolute paths or certain registry entries.
- With the portable freeware tool USB-Stick-Starter you can clearly arrange programs that you have installed on your stick in a practical start menu.
- Make sure that you do not assign any file formats such as .mp3, .webp or .odf to the software that you have installed on the stick. Otherwise files will not open if the USB stick is not inserted.
Portable programs to start from the stick
Although the demand is growing, not every software offers a portable version for USB sticks. The following list therefore provides an overview of the most important portable apps:
- Virus scanner: SpyBot Search and Destroy and ClamWin Portable reliably find malware. Start the software before first use to load current virus databases.
- Office: Open Office, PDF-XChange-Viewer, Essential PIM and Thunderbird offer a comprehensive portable office package with spreadsheet, text editing, PDF viewing and editing, email and scheduling.
- Multimedia: Install Foobar, CDex, fre: ac, Audacity, VLC-Player, Virtual Dub and GIMP in portable mode, you can open and edit pictures, videos and music at any time.
- Internet: With Firefox, JDownloader, Skype, Dropbox and FileZilla you have combined browser, download manager, telephony and chat, FFT and cloud access on your stick.
- System tools: CCleaner and CrystalDiskInfo keep your hard drive clean.
- Games: The game package on CHIP Online turns your stick into an arcade wonder.