What is the portable version of the program. What is RePack, Portable and Silent Install? So what is a portable-portable application

Almost all users are interested in the Internet - what is RePack, Portable, Silent installation. Let's try to explain the differences between such programs.

Silent Installation- this is when the program is installed automatically. In other words, you do not need to enter keys and use other methods of registering the program (patches, cracks, etc.). When installing the program, you do not have to repeatedly click "next", the program will do everything for you. After installation, it is completely ready for work.
Imagine a situation, for example: You are an administrator and you need to install an operating system on a large number of computers. Windows system and install the same set of programs. If applied silent install programs, then you have the opportunity to significantly save time.
The duration of the installation depends on the capacity of the program and lasts from 1–2 seconds to several tens of minutes. Installation such programs are launched by double-clicking on the executable file. These files are usually prepared for automatic installation programs right after installations operating system (eg Windows). In general, everything is painfully simple: double-click on the file and wait for the installation to complete.
UsuallySilent Installationused for post-installation programs, e.g. Windows Post-Installer, BS POST-INSTALLER. Also silent installation programs perfectly installed on a "live" system.

Such software, among other things, can be useful for those inhabitants of our planet who do not like to fiddle with the little things to install the program, or do not want to strain themselves. And of course it will produce for those people who are faced with problems installing (installing) the application. Assembly "Silent Installation" She does everything herself and does not need your intervention at all. Just run and after the installation is complete, the program is ready to use with all the built-in applications and add-ons.

What is Repack and why is it needed:

You have probably already seen the word " Repack", but what can be concluded from this?
Repack - this repacked licensed program or the game. Why is this necessary? Most often, Repack is done to reduce the size of the installer, or so that, for example, tablets (crack) and the translation are already in the newly installed program or game.
RePack is a light version of the game-program from which no necessary files, including foreign languages ​​\u200b\u200bforeign software, various demos, video clips are often compressed in RePack "s, sometimes with loss of quality. Purchased truncated versions of the game, in most cases, are collected in 1-2 .iso, .mdf ... and other disk images As a result, RePack weighs less and is more likely to be downloaded from the Internet. In RePack "and they add all sorts of cracks, keygens, no-dvds, etc. In most cases, a license is first found on the trackers, after which there are many repacks to it, 1/4-1/3 less in volume. Although RePack "and long time are installed on the computer. Up to 1-2 hours ... (for now, all this pinched will be established). Often, repackers do the translation of the license themselves, almost "promptly", and also invest in RePack.

So what is a Portable Application?

Arriving at a visit or at work, we use other people's PCs. And often we will need programs in the form in which they are configured at home. With the documentation, everything is usually simple - we copy it to a USB flash drive and reproduce it on an external computer, then what about the program options? Or in general necessary program maybe not ... For this, all portable programs are present (in other words - Portable versionprograms), in other words, programs that do not need anything to work, except for themselves. These programs save all options not in the registry, but in their own files.

Portable programs can work with all this being in any folder. If the program does not have its own installer, this does not mean that it actually portable. She, in addition to all this, should not access the registry and other places on the hard drive. Portable versions of programs are usually distributed in archives. In order for the program to work, it is enough to extract the files from the archive to a particular folder.
Portable programs are made by enthusiasts. They make it so that the program does not go beyond the boundaries of its own folder. For example, simple program will adopt the registry - professionals make sure that the program writes its options not to the registry, but to a file. Although, if the registry is very necessary, then a special code writes the settings to the registry at startup, and after closing it fills it back into the file.

Types of Portable Soft:

In general, Portable soft (PS) should include those programs that are “installed” by ordinary unpacking of the archive, or are ready to be transferred from machine to machine by ordinary copying, without requiring installers that make the required entries in the registry. This is where the differences in Portable applications come in.

en– the applications contain the Russian language
portable- portable - moving with ease, just copy the application files.
apps- English abbreviation for the word application, which means addition - a computer program, such as a web browser or a word processor.
The portable application is computer program, which can be carried around on a portable device such as USB and used on any PC. When your USB flash drive is portable HDD or another portable device is connected, you have access to your programs and personal data as if you were at your own computer. And when you turn off the device, none of your personal data remains on someone else's computer.
No special equipment needed: just use USB Flash, miniature hard drive, iPod/MP3 player, etc.
Virtually no additional software - just download, install and run portable applications.
To make it clear how it works, I will describe an approximate algorithm (the most common one):
1. A backup copy of the registry branches is created (or configuration files) and files outside the installed folder that the application depends on. This is done in the event that the same or a different version of this application is installed on the system.
2. Importing the data necessary for the operation of the application into the registry, similarly, copying those files that should be present outside the folder portable(e.g. in …/System32).
3. Starting the main program and waiting for it to close.
4. (Upon completion) Export options from the registry (or configuration files) to portable.
5. Cleaning traces of the program (more precisely, deleting temporary files).
6. Restoring to the system those registry keys and files that were reserved in the 1st step of the algorithm.
Portable program(in English " portable application"") - portable software, which does not need to be installed on a PC hard drive to run and use. This group includes programs that are easily installed on a flash drive, external HDD, CDs, DVDs, Bly-ray discs in the usual way, and also those that operate without installation. This is convenient for many reasons: it is not at all necessary to install the same programs on several PCs, at work it is possible to use your favorite browser, mail client, ICQ without claims from the system administrator and superiors, all data is saved on removable media and extremely easy to copy and so on Another indisputable plus Portable programs- they are free, at least for private (non-commercial) use. Although it is possible to find portable versions on the Internet and commercial programs, eg Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop.

What is the secret of Portable programs?

Everything is painfully simple. When you install a simple application on a PC, it has the feature of storing its own files in various folders on the PC's hard drive. In addition to the Program Files directory familiar to everyone, parts of programs can be found in user folders, temporary directories, etc. Therefore, when we want to copy a program by simply transferring its folder from Program Files to another computer, nothing comes of it. The software does not have the ability to detect the necessary configuration files and completely does not want to work.
With portable applications, the situation is different. The program is installed in the folder assigned to it on removable media, without affecting the PC hard drive and registry, and will work fine no matter which PC you connect the USB flash drive to. In order to copy the program, you just need to transfer its directory to another removable media. Almost all applications do not require installation, they can be copied and run from anywhere. But keep in mind that Portable programs created for one operating system will not work in another. In other words, if you adopt a portable version Firefox browser under Linux OS, it will not work on a Mac OS or Windows computer.
* Part of the similar PS available on the Web retains all the options in its catalog and, of course, stores all the options with a similar transfer. All this stuff could be called True PS (True Portable Soft).
* The other part stubbornly continues to save the settings in "Documents and Settings" and when transferring, you have to restore all the options manually. It is, of course, the program is operational right away, but in the meantime you will bring it to condition ... It would be much better to call such things Conditional PS - (Relative Portable Soft).
* Among other things, there are subspecies created for carrying on flash drives and starting from them, differing in the place where numerous temporary files are recorded that are formed during the work period. Specifically, in order to save the working capacity of a flash drive, which, generally speaking, has a limit on the number of write cycles on each “sector”, all temporary files are written to the screw, into a temporary folder created for the duration of the application. Accordingly, the sub-categories "True Portable USB Soft" and "Relative Portable USB Soft" arise.
* Of particular interest is some, we call it a "single-file" variety of "True Portable USB Soft". Then the application is 1 packaged executable file, when launched, the settings are transferred to the screw, during operation only the hard drive is accessed, and when when the program is closed, all options (probably modified) are again packed into an executable file on a USB flash drive with simultaneous removal of the folder made from the screw.

Over the course of several years of my activity, on the creation of portable software "Portable soft", the need to write this article gradually arose.

This article aims to review some of the principles of creating portable software and (attention) signs of pseudo-portability, and the safety of cheese in a mousetrap. Because many users gradually realized that not everything named Portable should be taken as a portable program.
You do not know what portable software is, although you have been “on you” with a computer for a long time? Not surprising. For some reason, such programs are not very advertised, although they are often very useful. So, we will fill in the gaps in your knowledge.

Let's start with the definition of the word Portable. It has two meanings
- portable, autonomous (compact)
- portable (Technical)

This definition is given by Wikipedia and it is the closest in meaning.

Portable software (portable soft) is a compact analogue regular programs that do not require installation. Why long and tedious to install and configure applications? Portable programs are a way to evaluate them without installing them into the system. It is enough to download the portable version, unpack the archive and your program is ready to run! Do you have a flash drive? Then choose the programs you need in the portable version and make yourself more mobile!
Portable programs, portable, portable soft, portable software - this is a whole class of programs created mainly to run and work from portable devices ( usb flash/ flash drives, CD, DVD, etc.) without installation.

There are several options for dividing portable software into types, but I stick to my point of view. I do not pretend to originality and authoritarianism.
So, there are figures who carry nonsense with the division of portables into those launched from a CD, from a flash drive, portable with pre-installation and other terms from the area of ​​\u200b\u200bsucking from a finger.

If you look, then there are only two types:
True (true) portable (true portable). Programs that run without installation and do not need registration store all their files and all settings in a virtual environment (sandbox folder). Such programs are convenient to use from external media. Once configured, they will use their settings on any other computer and leave no traces anywhere.
False portable. The program works without installation, but stores some of its settings not in its own directory, but in the general one. Thus, when transferring such a program to another computer, its settings will be lost. This clogs the registry and often creates additional files and folders in a real environment.

Portable programs do not clog the system registry and therefore create less load on the operating system.
With the growing popularity of portable software, they have become more serious and extended requirements apart from portability.
Namely.
1. Complete isolation from the real system.
2. Clean operation (does not leave traces in the real system)
3. Launch and full performance, when transferred to another computer.
4. Does not conflict with the same software already installed as standard, i.e. stationary software does not lose registration, etc., and also, in turn, the portable version normally works regardless of the installed brothers.

To understand how a portable program works, you need to have at least a rough idea of ​​​​installing software on a computer system. Without going into details, when installing the program, information is entered into the registry, files are copied to the folders specified by the user, and, if necessary, to system and profile ones. Thus, the program informs the operating system (usually through the registry) of its presence, and as a result, shortcuts, file associations, items in context menu etc. Other applications usually also learn about the stay through the registry new program or its module.

The system does not know anything about the portable program, except that it is a simple folder with files, one of which has an .exe extension.

Well, now we move from the general to the main. What is portable software and what is it for?

Portable programs are mainly used to work from removable media, such as a USB flash drive or CD. Recently, however, another purpose has become popular, namely the replacement of conventional programs with portable ones. This makes it possible, when reinstalling the operating system, to avoid wasting time saving personal data (bookmarks in browsers, ICQ correspondence history, emails in mail clients, etc.), as well as installing and configuring programs. This is achieved due to the fact that properly made portable programs are completely independent of the operating system. You can temporarily copy them to a CD, format the hard drive, install a new OS, and then return the programs back and save all settings along with temporary files.

Advantages of portable (portable) software:

After reinstalling the system, the portable program does not need to be installed and configured - everything is ready for work when the desktop appears on the monitor.
Portable software can be taken with you to work, on a visit or in an Internet cafe. You can work with portable programs as soon as you connect the portable media to your computer.
Portable programs (applications) save their settings in their native folder, thereby not loading the system registry.
Portable (portable version) of the program is not a new software, but a special edition of an application familiar to you earlier.

But this is not the only benefit of portable software.

Let's say you switch to free software. Do you want to try, for example, the vector graphics editor Inkscape ( free analogue Corel Draw). Download the portable version, unpack - and try as much as your heart desires. Like it - then you can install the regular version.
The next advantage is mobility. To come to someone and work on their computer in the Inkscape editor mentioned above, you do not need to install this program on someone else's machine. It is enough to bring it with you on a flash drive, after copying there the entire folder that turned out after unpacking.
E-mail can also be checked without leaving any cache on someone else's computer. To do this, just write Mozilla Thunderbird Portable to a flash drive. They plugged it into USB, took away the mail - and took it with them.
Well, since modern flash drives are very roomy, you can record a whole set of portable software on them. For example, the Mozilla Firefox browser (so as not to leave anything in the cache after surfing the web), the GoldenDict dictionary (if you are a translator, then the portable version will be very useful), COMODO System-Cleaner (for quickly cleaning the registry and all sorts of rubbish; useful for renderers first computer help), and so on.

When you come to visit a friend, you will not need to beg him to install the software that you need on your computer. It's also very easy to share portable programs, since most of them are free software (or Freeware) as mentioned above. Just overwritten the folder with the right application- and that's it, let the person taste it. Like it - will take the regular version to install forever. If you don't like it - there will be no unpleasant consequences, just delete the folder.

And now a big BUT!
The operability of individual parts of the software when transferred to another machine does not at all mean the operability of the software itself.
A striking example from the history of porting - a long walk through the expanses of Runet Adobe Photoshop CS3 Micro. Very brainy people have cured the Photoshop.exe executable so that it forgot about the license check. Not very brainy people changed this file in their installation of the program. Completely brainless people ripped out the C:\\Program Files\\Adobe\\Photoshop folder on their flash drive and just launched it for testing. And when they saw that the program had started, they shouted "portable".
What happened next. this program although it looked workable, it did at least such bugs on the computer of a gullible user:
- Garbage in the registry.
- Garbage in the user profile.
- An almost obligatory registration rally from installed packages of the same company (this is really a joy to someone who boasted such a craft on their computer).
- Inability to work with text.
What mistakes were made?
1. A program is far from always (almost never) a folder with a bunch of files. These are registry entries (registration, settings, connection with configs of other programs), OS config entries, additional files in many places in system directories and user profiles.
2. Torn out of a suitable environment (where everything is configured for its operation, i.e. where it is installed), the program behaves unpredictably (because the developer often does not assume such a situation), namely: it creates its own entries in the registry and configs, files in system directories, often overwriting existing ones.
Finereader 10 pseudoportables walked similarly.

Naturally, user programs that require integration into the system are difficult to make portable. Especially applications in which files should open by default.
How to understand the variety of portable software posted on the Internet?

I'll start with true portable that I collect myself. Application virtualization using special programs, VMware ThinApp, Spoon Studio (Xenocode). There are other analogues, but these two are the most serious.
Virtualization- placing the program in a virtual container (read the archive, hence the huge plus - compression). When this container is launched, the program "thinks" that all registry entries and files are already in place - in the system (nothing is copied or written anywhere - another plus). The virus inside the container of such a program is disarmed, tk. can't write anything to the real system - only to the sandbox. This refers to the often expressed claims that they say the antivirus swears at the file. I want to clarify that today, all the most serious antiviruses have included files created in VMware ThinApp and Spoon Studio (Xenocode) as exceptions, they usually yell imperfections - paranoia like Avast.

Virtualized portable program (Portable application) runs in a small virtual environment (VM) that includes registry keys, files, and other components needed to launch and run a portable application.
This virtual environment acts as a layer between the portable application and the OS (operating system), thus avoiding conflicts between applications. The virtual environment (VM) is responsible for loading the "virtualized" application into memory and for managing the "virtual" file system and registry.

Thanks to the "Virtual Registry Module", the "virtualized" keys are made available to the "virtualized" application and all accompanying files loaded by the VM. If the necessary keys are not in the "virtual" registry, they will be requested in the real - system registry. The VM also allows you to create a "virtual" file system in your executable file, which will be available only to your application. At run time, your application can access both "virtual" files and real file system without distinguishing between them. All changes that the application makes to the system during operation are not saved directly to the system, but are recorded in a separate directory - the "sandbox" (sandbox). The role of a sandbox can be, for example, the directory from which the application is launched or any other directory. In this case, the local operating system, in fact, remains unchanged. This is the main advantage of such portables, coupled with the ability to work in user mode.

The mechanism of operation of virtualized programs (virtual) created by these products is different for each and, in general, this is a "company secret".

I use VMware ThinApp (nee Thinstall) in my work, the most popular tool for creating portable programs. But there are limitations that are imposed on ThinApp.
ThinApp cannot virtualize applications that require installation of kernel-level drivers, antivirus, personal firewalls, scanner and printer drivers.
Some types of applications may not work correctly - these are: applications that require the installation of device drivers, integrate into Explorer, install DCOM services or global hooks. For example, if you create a portable Adobe version Acrobat, you can use it to open, edit, and save PDF files, but you won't be able to use the PDF printer driver.
However, some of the limitations can be circumvented by using VBScript scripts (or launcher technology) that install necessary components into a real system. Scripts are integrated into ThinApp projects. Meanwhile, bypassing one limitation, you may encounter another; on an OS with non-administrator rights, such programs may not work.

Program (Xenocode) Spoon Virtual Application Studio

A worthy alternative and direct competitor to VMware ThinApp, only less popular. By and large, the capabilities and limitations of Xenocode and ThinApp are similar, therefore, without going into details, only the obvious differences are outlined below. but it has its downsides.
- the number of functions for setting up the project is incomparably small;
- sometimes leaves traces of his portable in the system, in the form of several empty folders and registry keys. Otherwise, the differences for ordinary users are of no fundamental importance.
It is also necessary to understand for yourself that Qualitatively assembled and tested portable (portable) software does not give a 100% guarantee that it will work on any declared systems, you must read the description for the program and the system requirements. And therefore, it is desirable to keep both a portable and an installation version of the program.

False portable has many varieties. All their portability ends with portability, they do not fulfill all other requirements.
The most common and most dangerous to use are scripted assemblies. by PortableApps technology. I will not describe it, just below I will show how to determine it. The use of such assemblies, strictly at the user's own risk.
One thing I can recommend! Never use such assemblies in workplaces, the consequences may be the most severe for you. This is especially recommended for those who use on the computer licensed software, typically PortableApps kills the registration of such software.

There is another subspecies of pseudo-portables. Native (initially portable, no installation required), As a rule, they are created by the authors of the programs themselves. This is a normal unboxing. installation version, with a set of files for the program to work. It is absolutely not isolated from the system and, in fact, the same installer called "Portable" by the developer, respectively, and garbage in the system. All the necessary elements for the operation of such a portable program are located in one directory, and no registry keys are required to run it. (not always). Initially, a portable program saves its settings in its own directory - in the same folder where it is located. This definition of natively portable programs somewhat idealized, since among this type of programs there are those that require installed Windows components (Net, Java, etc.).
In order to convey their product to the user in the form in which he intended, developers often pack their "originally portable programs" to the installation executable.
By the same principle, many unscrupulous users who do not have elementary knowledge in the field of creating portable software create sandboxes. For them, the main thing is that the program, when transferred to another place, started and works, but the fact that it may not perform all their tasks, or even harm the system, they don’t care.

Methods of detection
If it is the PortableApps technology that is used, the portable device sometimes asks where to install it (this is just unpacking from the _Name_.paf.exe file). In the final folder, you can find an executable that launches NSIS or AutoIt and a folder (for example, with the name App), where all the software just lies. And if the technology is different, you can try to unpack the launcher in Universal Extractor, it may even turn out to be just an SFX archive.

In general, that's all I wanted to explain to users of portable software. I hope my article will help you in the future to separate the wheat from the chaff. Good luck!

Now the actual methods of making portable software and, as a result, its appearance and (importantly) signs.

I will arbitrarily divide Portable into 3 groups and evaluate the compliance with the portability conditions (1)(2)(3) on the score (-)(-+)(+-)(+), which means that the condition is met (unlikely)(not enough)( enough) (probably).

1. The software is natively portable (native portability)
Such software
- you can either write it yourself; (1+)(2+)(3+)
Those. it is assumed that you are guided by these three points when writing software.
- can optionally (at your discretion) become portable (example - KMPlayer, Aimp, Total Commander); (1+)(2+-)(3+-)
This means that the developer, either for the sake of portability or for compatibility with other operating systems, left the ability to store settings and add-ons in the program folder (in ini, xml, etc.). And if the program also understands relative paths(replace C:\\Program Files\\Opera\\program with .\\program). There are many ways to achieve native portability in this case: editing some main program config, other configs, launching with a parameter (all Mozilla products).
- can work without installation (being extracted from Program Files), i.e. it is already portable (well, there is plus or minus portable), but you had no idea. (1-+)(2-)(3-+)

Methods of detection
Only one thing can be said about the methods for determining such a portabl: if the software does not belong to the following two categories, it belongs here. Well, in comparison. If we see a folder with a portable program that is almost identical in content to the same installed program, then this is either a hack or native portability.

Now dancing with a tambourine. Softina is capricious, and maybe even with registration. And it needs to be ported.

2. Portable Apps
This is a portability technology that has its supporters.
In this case, in the program NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System - a common free and powerful creator of script-based installers from the creators of Winamp) or AuitoIt, a boot file is made for the main program, which
- pre-installs registry entries and some necessary files into the system,
- starts the main program,
- after work, it cleans everything, trying to remember the software settings on the flash drive.
I must say right away that I personally do not like this method, because I do not like interference in the system without my knowledge.
In other cases, you don’t even want to think about what will happen if the light turns off during the operation of a “powerful” and complex software made in this way. All uncollected files and registry entries will remain in the machine. By the way, various viruses are most often present in such portals if you take them from an unverified source.
The PortableApps movement itself can be considered a trusted source, standardizing this method of portability and providing everyone with the necessary tools and documentation.
On the downside, I note that this movement is trying to portable according to its own methodology, almost everything indiscriminately, as well as to provide tools for everyone, but not very understanding. The result is a lot of low-quality software made using dubious technology. A huge disadvantage is often the inability to run the program without administrator rights (what kind of administrator will allow the user to write wherever he gets into the system).

Methods of detection
I will give only a more or less sane way: (pkm) Properties -> (on) Version. And there you can sometimes see the name of the virtualizer, its version and the name of the license owner.

Standing apart from all this is the launcher method. Those. it is not the program that is launched, but the launcher, which tells the main program directly in memory what to save where and how to behave. Making a launcher is a "black magic" procedure that is often inaccessible even to the developers themselves (Remember the third-party launcher for Opera Portable, which turns any version of Opera into a portable one).

What about *NIXes?
I would like to ask: "Is it possible to implement such packaging for *NIX packages scattered throughout the hard drive?"
Let's drop the case (although you might think so too) when you need to compile from source. Now let's look inside different software packages: RPM, DEB, etc. What is there? Correctly the program files themselves, information where they should be in the final system and config records. And now we think: "What prevents you from making not installation files, but packages that are the same in content, only being a executable file?".
Nothing seems to get in the way, especially considering that a well-tuned Wine is excellent for Windows virtual packages. But it is precisely in this phrase "is an executable file" that the catch lies: unlike the Windows PE specification (Portable Executable is almost any EXE), in * NIX you can rather say that it is not the program that is running in the system, but the system executes an executable file on demand (this is the basis of *NIX security and reliability).

The easiest way to make such a program portable (i.e. restore its original portability) is to install (install) the application on the system in order to get free access to the program folder, then copy this entire program folder to another location, and then uninstall installed program.
Just before that, you need to check this program for its portability, make sure that the program settings are really saved in the same folder and the program does not require the installation of any additional modules.
Manual portable programs (PortableApps.com Format - Apps / PAF), which, when starting and closing a portable program, only imitate the process of installing and uninstalling the program into a real system.
Handheld portable programs made like the PortableApps.com Format (PAF / Apps) work in a pattern reminiscent of installing and uninstalling applications. They consist of a launcher (in Russian: launcher - that is, a Portable program launch file), a folder with the program itself and its files, and plus launcher settings files (or others that are related to the launcher). The latter may not exist if the settings of the Portable program are specified in the launcher itself. It is through the launcher that the main exe file of the Portable program is launched. The directory in such a portable with the main program being launched and its files is considered to be the folder in which the application is installed.

To make it more clear to beginners how it works, I will describe an approximate algorithm for the launcher (the simplest one):

1. A backup copy of the registry branches (or configuration files) and files located outside the installed folder, on which the application depends, is created. (This is done in case the same or a different version of this application is installed on the system).
2. Importing the data necessary for the operation of the application into the registry, as well as copying those files that should be located outside the portable folder (for example, in .../System32).
3. Launching the main program and waiting for it to close.
4. (Upon completion) Export the settings from the registry (or configuration files) again to portable.
5. Cleans traces of the program (more precisely, deleting temporary files).
6. Restoring to the system those registry keys and files that were backed up in the 1st step of the algorithm (that is, when starting the Portable program).

On the this moment most handheld portable programs compile to NSIS and AutoIt. More precisely, a script is written in one of the languages ​​of these programs, implementing the algorithm described above, and compiled into the launcher. In fact, to create a launcher, any scripting language is suitable, similar in capabilities to NSIS and AutoIt, which can be compiled into an executable file.

Manual type of portable programs based on NSIS

NSIS is a system for creating installers for Microsoft Windows with open source codes, created by Nullsoft, founded by the creators of the Winamp program. Many plug-ins can be connected to the NSIS package, allowing you to work with the registry, install drivers, perform mathematical calculations, update files, and much more.
The process of fixing changes in the system during installation can be implemented in some uninstaller with support for creating and comparing snapshots, for example, in Total Uninstall or special programs such as SysTracer and other similar ones (see paragraphs 1-4 of the general algorithm above). After that, a project is created in the form of a folder structure: for example, installed files are transferred to one of them, received registry data to another, etc. and a script is written, which is then compiled (see paragraphs 5-6 of the general algorithm above). What the project will be depends on the program and your preferences.

Approximately in this vein, portable is made in such Internet communities as PortableApps and PortableAppz. These sites describe the technology, give examples and templates by which such portable programs are created.

An article on the specifics of creating portable applications in PAF format (PortableApps.com Format) based on NSIS scripts can be found here:
"How to create a portable application in the PortableApps Format (PAF)"

Manual type of portable programs based on AutoIt

AutoIt is a program designed to automate frequently performed actions in Windows OS. The utility allows you to repeat keystrokes, mouse movements and clicks, manipulations with application windows, work with the clipboard and other user actions. In order not to repeat, the arsenal of the AutoIt language for creating a portable program is similar in capabilities to the NSIS language, so everything that was described above for NSIS is also suitable for AutoIt. Unless in the latter you can still implement work with windows.

Portable-sculptors from Italy went a little different way than PortableApps and made a launcher compiled into AutoIt. Their project is called winPenPack, and the launcher template itself is called X-Launcher. The bottom line is that the launcher reads information from the ini-file, which contains the settings for launching the program, and the files themselves must be located in the corresponding folders of this template. Due to the limited capabilities of the launcher, only programs of medium complexity can be ported this way.

A few main reasons for the inoperability of manual portable programs:
- The portable application itself does not work (for example, a crooked crack).
- The application requires Windows components or other programs to be installed.
- Those files, registry keys or components that are responsible for the operation of the program are not taken into account in the project.
- Errors in the script (launcher).
- Limited access to OS directories and resources used by the portable program.

Conclusion
Almost any application can be ported using the method described above, and the arsenal of AutoIt and NSIS languages ​​\u200b\u200ballows a flight of fancy. However, it should be taken into account that the time to start the program is directly proportional to the number of copied and backed up files and registry keys.
Due to the fact that manual portables work with a real system, they can be insecure. On the one hand, a portable program obtained from an untrusted source may contain a virus. On the other hand, a poorly assembled application will lead to errors in the system or programs installed in the OS.

Failures in the operation of virtualized programs can be due to the following reasons:

As for handheld portables, these are errors in the portable application, missing elements in the real environment or in the project.
- Errors in settings (often in isolation modes)
- At the time of publication, the work of programs built in ThinApp (version 4.0.x) is not officially supported on Windows 7.
- Some programs have built-in protection against virtualization.
- Other errors, possibly related to the technology of the virtual environment (either the virtual environment does not function in the OS, or the application does not interact correctly with the virtual environment).

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 anyone, but also to the convenience of transportation in terms of the fact that the program can be written to a disk or a regular 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 consumption system resources and even when restoring system performance after virus attacks.

Portable: what does it mean?

To begin with, let's define the term itself, logically based on the translation of the word with in English. In this case, we use the translation and interpretation of the concept of what a portable version of a program is in relation to computer systems.

In general terms, portable means a portable (portable, portable, standalone) program that can be stored on any removable media and does not require installation on the hard drive of a computer or laptop to run or function. The benefits of such applications are obvious.

The difference between portable versions and installed applications

To consider this issue, we set some initial conditions. So, we have a portable version of the program. What this means in terms of standard methods for installing and using an application is easy to understand with a simple example.

Probably, it is not necessary to explain that in the standard version for installing a software product into a computer system, as a rule, special file, usually called Setup.exe, the launch of which causes the installation process, which involves unpacking and copying to the hard drive of the computer the main modules of the program, the executable file for launching the main application, additional dynamic libraries, databases used in work, and even drivers virtual devices, which can be used as controllers. A striking example of such a controller is the driver of a virtual "gadget" for Guitar Rig guitarists.

Now consider main question: what is portable soft. Unlike installable programs and applications, portable packages software products do not require installation on a hard drive. They run using a single executable file with the extension .exe, which is located in the program folder. For example, if the appropriate conditions are set, the same data downloaders from torrent trackers can immediately unpack archive files to disk as a new directory with the same name of the downloaded torrent. It remains only to enter the desired folder and run the appropriate file to get started.

Composition of the portable package

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 now try to figure it out.

The whole procedure boils down to using the button to create an SFX archive, after which you need to select the "Create continuous archive" command.

Then, in the archive parameters, the path “In the current folder” is indicated, and then the transition to the “Modes” tab follows using the “Unpack to temporary folder” command, where a checkmark is placed next to the “Hide all” information output line. Now on the "Text and Graphics" tab, you can select a logo (icon), if, of course, you need it. It remains only to confirm your actions. Upon completion 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 accompanying library files or links to third-party databases, it is better not to do this (and for a long time, and the purpose of the final package will not justify itself).

Portable programs or portable versions of applications are designed to simplify the user's work on a PC.

Such software allows you not to waste time on installation, use programs even in operating systems with maximum security settings, and allows you to work in the system even if you do not have administrative rights.

Portable programs are usually used on computers where the installation of third-party software is undesirable or impossible (both for security reasons and due to lack of space on the computer).

General information about portable applications

Portable programs are programs that do not require installation on a computer and do not make any changes to the registry of the operating system during operation.

Basically, applications, the distribution of which is marked portable, have the same functionality as the regular versions. Sometimes developers remove a few resource-intensive features.

Some of the benefits of using them include:

• saving hard disk space. You can work with a portable program without even moving it to a computer - from the same disk or USB drive (and even from a smartphone) on which it was recorded;
• the absence of a warning that appears about the need to run the application only under account administrator. Most common applications require the user to enter a password or have the appropriate rights. Portable versions eliminate this need;

• the ability to launch the application from any folder. Thus, you can put all such portable programs in one folder or sort them in any convenient way without fear that they will stop working.

Who makes portable builds

As a rule, enthusiasts who strive to make software convenient not only for themselves but also for other network users are engaged in the production and distribution of assemblies of portable applications.

Sometimes a portable program can be found on the official resources of manufacturers.

For example, Google releases a portable Chrome browser, updating its versions at the same frequency as for the regular version.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus has an official portable version of Curelt, which can check the system for malicious code without installing it on a computer.

Where can I find portable software?

The search for portable programs and entire collections should be started on the sites of the same enthusiasts who are involved in their creation:

• one of the best options– LiberKey portal;
• a good selection is also offered by the Free Soft website, which contains programs and ready-made sets of portable applications;
• another fairly popular resource Portablik, where you can find several thousand portable versions of popular software;

• there are enough applications on the Portable Soft page.

Advice: on such pages you can find collections of programs to perform almost any task. However, you should first try to look for specific applications on the manufacturer's websites - this way you will prevent infection of your computer. malicious code, which can be built into the program.

Top Apps

In order to download the best portable software, you should know which programs can be classified into this category - there are quite a few options for such applications, and there may not be time to check the functionality and usability of each.

It is worth paying attention first of all to the following programs:

• VLC Media Player Portable and MPlayer Portable allow you to listen to audio and watch video without installing a special player on your computer;
• suitable for editing audio tracks Portable AIMP or Portable;

• you can edit videos with the help of, functional enough not only for capturing and cutting video sequences, but also for dubbing films;

• allows you to quickly recover lost files even from a formatted disk;

• - portable option. Does not have the function of automatic updating of anti-virus databases, which requires periodic downloading of a new distribution;
• Simple Machine Protect- not bad free antivirus, which also includes the management of system processes;
• , free app for data compression, capable of replacing the WinRAR archiver (paid by default);

• GIMP Portable- portable version of the program for editing images. Inferior in functionality to Adobe Photoshop (a portable version of which can also be found on the web), but is quite suitable for home use;

• XNView Full Portable, an application for viewing and editing almost any kind of images;
• Portable DeepBurner 1.9, a convenient and easy-to-use program for burning CDs and DVDs;
• Portable, a package whose functionality when working with documents is not inferior to the regular version, including working with texts, spreadsheets and mathematical expressions;

• AbiWord Portable, a good free and, moreover, does not require installation on a computer, replacement for the paid Microsoft Office package;
• Mozilla Firefox Portable, Opera USB Portable and Chrome Portable- the same browsers that may already be installed on your PC, but more convenient. For example, thanks to the ability to use your favorite and familiar browser while at someone else's computer.

Where and how to make a flash drive with programs?

To create portable programs, there are special utilities- such as, for example, cameyo or Portable P Apps.

However, in addition to the presence on the flash drive of the programs themselves that do not require installation, it is also desirable to properly manage them using the platforms, which we will discuss below.

Portable Apps is a software shell that can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website.

After downloading, the application will offer you an impressive list of portable software that can be written to a USB flash drive.

By selecting (checking) the appropriate options, you will receive them on the media and can easily manage without searching for the distribution in different folders.

The platform allows you to back up documents and files, change shell settings, add or remove programs from the list.

LiberKey- no less convenient and multifunctional program that allows you to create a USB flash drive with portable software.

After downloading, it allows you to download from the developers' website any applications from a fairly wide and constantly updated range.

As a result of the download, portable applications are placed in a kind of container, where they can be managed using a convenient menu with a customizable interface.

Portable but insecure

You can find dozens of versions of various portable applications and their sets on the network, but it is best to download them on the developers' websites, and not from unfamiliar torrent trackers, from where you can easily download a virus to your computer.

Advice: Look at the extension of the downloaded file. It is undesirable to download an archive or an executable application.

However, some users own experience know that portable software is often infected with malicious code.

Using even a proven service to receive new version portable programs, don't forget to scan it with an antivirus.

Among other things, it is worth ensuring the safety of the portable software itself - when connected to other people's computers, information on a flash drive can be destroyed.

Therefore, it is desirable to do backup such a disk.

Results

The advantages of portable programs allow you to use them on any computer.

The range offered by the developers of such software is wide enough to run and edit multimedia files with their help, work with documents on the network, archive data, create images, and even recover lost files.

In most cases, such programs are able to replace versions that require installation, however, for your computer, in the absence of contraindications, you should choose regular applications that are more functional, faster and more stable.

Many of you during your life periodically face the fact that you have to work on other people's computers or laptops: visiting friends, relatives or working at a computer at work. But not all computers have programs installed that you are used to using every day or programs installed with settings that will be very unusual for you in the process of work. For such purposes, there are Portable versions of programs (portable programs) that do not need to be installed on a computer. As you may have guessed, now we will understand what the portable version of the program is, and also talk about the pros and cons of using them.

The most important thing is that the settings of the Portable version of programs are not stored in the registry, but in the program files themselves. That is, portable versions of programs can work anywhere (for example: a flash drive, Disk D:, etc.).

Usually Portable versions are distributed in archives in order to download them without any problems. But you don't have to run the executable directly from the archive! In order for the program to fully work, you must first extract the files from the archive, and then start working with it.

Read about how to unzip files from an archive.

Portable programs are usually created by enthusiasts who make sure that programs do not access the registry, but always access files that are in the same folder as the executable file. The first launch of a Portable program may take longer than usual, since files with settings are created in the folder where the program itself is located.

When working with such programs, difficulties can arise. Namely: if the file (program) is large, for example, 200 Mb, then the execution of operations in the program can be processed more slowly than in the installed program. It is advisable to download verified versions, since errors may appear during operation or even be thrown out of the program without saving the document, which in itself is a very serious problem for the user who worked on this file.

Security and portable programs

From the above, I think you understand what portable programs are and what advantages you get. Now we will touch upon an important issue of your safety when using such programs.

Be aware that there are intruders who want to get your email password or other valuables that may belong to you. You need to download Portable from trusted sources (a virus (s) can be introduced into portable programs, as well as into any program). When downloading Portable programs, check them with an antivirus with up-to-date anti-virus databases.

Those who store such programs on flash drives forget about the safety of programs, because by connecting a flash drive to someone else's computer, you can infect not only the flash drive, but also programs with viruses. To do this, keep copies of the programs on your personal computer. Now, when downloading programs marked Portable, you know what version it is.