List of portable application creators facts for kids

Portable application creators are special computer programs that help you make other programs run without needing to be installed on a computer. Think of it like carrying your favorite game or tool on a USB stick, and it works on any computer you plug it into, without leaving a trace! This is often done using a cool trick called application virtualization.

What are Portable Apps?

Portable apps are like magic programs that don't need to be installed. They can run directly from a USB drive, a cloud storage service, or even a network drive. This means you can take your favorite software with you wherever you go. It's super handy for students, travelers, or anyone who uses different computers.

How Do They Work?

Portable application creators often use a technology called application virtualization. This means the program creates a special, isolated space for the app to run in. It pretends the app is installed, but all its files and settings are kept together in one place. This way, the app doesn't mess with the computer's own files or settings. When you're done, you just remove the USB stick, and it's like the app was never there!

Making Your Own Portable Apps

Some tools let you create portable versions of programs yourself. These are often called "agentless" solutions because they don't need any extra software (called an "agent" or "client") to be installed on the computer you're using. They just work!

Here are some examples of tools that help create these independent portable apps:

• Cameyo: This tool helps you turn regular programs into portable ones. It's free for personal use, which is great for students!
• PortableApps.com: This is a very popular platform that offers many ready-to-use portable versions of popular software. They also have tools to help you make your own.
• Turbo Studio: This software helps create virtual versions of applications, making them portable. It used to be called Spoon Studio.
• VMware ThinApp: This is another powerful tool that helps create portable applications. It was previously known as Thinstall.

Other Related Software

There are many other types of software that are similar to or work with portable applications and virtualization:

• AppImage: This is a format mainly for Linux computers that lets you run applications without installing them. It's like a portable app for Linux!
• Microsoft App-V: This is a tool from Microsoft that helps businesses deliver applications to many computers without installing them directly.
• Sandboxie: This program creates a secure, isolated space (a "sandbox") for applications to run in. It's often used to test new software or browse the internet safely, as anything that happens in the sandbox doesn't affect your main computer.
• Windows To Go: This feature from Microsoft allows you to run a full version of Windows from a USB drive. It's like having your entire computer operating system in your pocket!

See also

• Application streaming
• Application virtualization
• Desktop virtualization
• Software as a service
• Virtual application