Make it stick

TRIP TIPS

Ever got stuck because your hotel's business centre didn't have the software you want? Well, http://portableapps.com/suite may just be the solution you've been looking for. The site offers what are called PortableApps or portable applications.

These are tinier versions of the full-fledged software you normally use. In other words, here's software that closely mimics your favourite ones. The software is bundled into three flavours (full strength, light and I'll-make-my-own). And, it's free and legal.

Click on the flavour of your choice and you'll get to download a fairly heavy exe file. To make it run-ready, you need to plug your memory stick in (512 MB is a good, inexpensive, adequate size) and run the file you just downloaded. You'll be prompted to complete the process, which can take as long as 15 minutes.

Now, whenever you stick that memory stick into a Windows XP machine anywhere on earth, the computer will prompt you as to whether you would like to run the suite.

Which means that with a click of your mouse, you could access an antivirus software, a web browser (FireFox), an instant messenger (Gaim), a portable office suite (OpenOffice), a sudoku game, a calendar and task manager or a portable email client "" no matter where you are and what software the computer has installed on it. Now, isn't it convenient?

That's not all. The PortableApps software allows you to add more compatible applications to your suite. All you need to do is download and add them to the stick.

Among the available options are media players, audio editors, zip utilities, web editors, graphics editors, and even a Mac OS7 portable! Effectively, the programme allows you to carry your own set of software around in a tiny sliver of the space and weight.

Walk confidently into the hotel business centre, smile at the lady at the desk when she says they don't have, say, instant messenger. Plug the stick in, double click the file and you're set.

Since the programme resides on a memory stick, data loss chances are minimal, and it's light and easy to carry. Just remember to close the application when you finish and only then unplug the stick.