portable - carried or moved with ease

app - a computer program like a web browser or word processor

Portable App Definition (permalink)

A portable app is a computer program that doesn't need to be installed into Windows like traditional apps so you can carry it with you on a portable device or cloud drive and use on any Windows computer. When your USB flash drive, portable hard drive, or other portable device is plugged in or your cloud drive is synced, you have access to your software and personal data just as you would on your own PC. And when you unplug the device, none of your personal data is left behind.

No Special Hardware - Use any USB flash drive, portable hard drive, etc

No Additional Software - Just download, run the portable installer and go

No Kidding - It's that easy

Portable App Guidelines (permalink)

A portable app works from any device (USB flash drive, portable hard drive, cloud drive, memory card, etc)

A portable app works as you move computers and your drive letter changes

A portable app is self-contained in a single directory with sub-directories and files within

A portable app's features continue working as you move computers

A portable app doesn't leave files or folders behind except those automatically generated by Windows

A portable app doesn't leave registry entries behind except those automatically generated by Windows

A portable app is optimized for use on removable drives

A portable app doesn't require additional software on the PC

A portable app doesn't interfere with software installed on the PC

Consider the Possibilities... (permalink)

Your favorite web browser with all your bookmarks close at hand

Your presentation AND the required software ready to go for that big meeting

Your important passwords and account information securely encrypted and always with you

Your antivirus program and other utilities ready to fix PC problems

Your calendar with all your appointments

Your own email client with all your contacts and settings

Your instant messenger and your buddy list

Your whole office suite along with all your documents

Why PortableApps.com Format and a PortableApps.com Installer? (permalink)