If you are mobile and perhaps work between a number of different computers there is a range of software that is always good to have around.
Many programs can be run entirely from a universal serial bus (USB) drive (“memory stick”, or “pen drive” are other common monikers). This has the benefit that it doesn’t install any files, or change any settings, of the host computer it is plugged into. Particularly useful if you are sharing a computer and want your files kept separate.
There are many types of software that fit this category. Some programs are released in different versions, with one version being a USB drive version that is more portable (and sometimes of smaller file size with equal functionality than its installable counterpart).
So you can read / reply to emails from your familiar email program whilst using a public computer without putting files on the public machine, for example. Essentially you are just using the host computer for processing power, not to store your files or software.
Some popular sites that maintain listings of such programs are pendriveapps and portableapps.
