VMware ThinApp facts for kids
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| Original author(s) | Jitit Inc. |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | VMware |
| Stable release |
2212 / January 12, 2023
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| Operating system | Windows Vista and later Windows Server 2008 and later (previously Windows XP and Windows Server 2003) |
| Size | 18 MB |
| Type | Application virtualization Portable application creator |
| License | Shareware |
VMware ThinApp is a special computer program made by VMware. It helps you run other computer programs without actually installing them on your computer. Think of it like putting a whole game or app into a special bubble. This bubble lets the app run anywhere, even from a USB stick! It's also called an application virtualization tool or a portable application creator. VMware says it works really well for most apps.
Contents
How ThinApp Started
ThinApp was first created by a company called Jitit Inc. Its original name was Thinstall. On January 15, 2008, a bigger company called VMware bought Jitit Inc. and its program.
After VMware bought it, they worked on making it even better. They gave it a secret code name, VMware Project North Star, while they were testing it. On June 10, 2008, VMware announced that the program's final name would be VMware ThinApp. At first, only big companies could try out Thinstall. But later, VMware made a trial version available for everyone to try.
How ThinApp Works
VMware ThinApp uses something called application virtualization. This means it makes apps think they are fully installed on your computer, even when they are not. It creates a special, fake environment for the app. This environment includes all the files and settings the app needs to run.
One cool thing about ThinApp is that it doesn't need to install anything extra on your computer. It doesn't even need special drivers. This means you can run apps from a USB stick or a network drive. You don't even need to be an administrator on the computer.
ThinApp can turn regular app installers, like .msi files, into single .EXE files. These .EXE files have everything the app needs inside them. It can also look at your computer before and after an app is installed. Then, it creates a portable version based on the changes it sees. Unlike some other programs, ThinApp doesn't unpack files onto your computer's hard drive. It also doesn't change your computer's main settings to run apps.
It's important to know that ThinApp versions released after 5.2.3 do not work on older operating systems like Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.
Different Versions of ThinApp
There are different versions of VMware ThinApp. The simplest one is "VMware ThinApp Starter Edition." You can sometimes get this for free when you buy another VMware product called VMware Workstation.
The most advanced version is "VMware ThinApp Enterprise Edition." This version has extra features. It can update apps automatically and connect with Active Directory. It also lets many people use the program at the same time.
Other Similar Programs
- Microsoft App-V
- Turbo (software)
- Software appliance
- Windows To Go
- Sandboxie
- Portable application creators
See also
In Spanish: VMware ThinApp para niños
