Introducing Tech Talk. Think â’Dear Abbyâ’ but instead of relationship advice the topic is technology. If you have any questions about software, hardware, internet, programming, web pages, blogs, video games, video consoles, cell phones, money saving technology, local tech resources, security, error messages, virus, spyware, or any other topic concerning technology that you would like answered write to Tech Talk. The questions and answers will be printed and available on “The Contemplation”.
Evergreen Country Shopper
Attention: Tech Talk
P.O. Box 408
417 9th Ave. W.
Ashland, WI 54806
Email: techtalk@soketnetto.com
Dear Techie:
My Family shares one computer. The computer is constantly slowing. The teens keep downloading all kinds of stuff from the Internet and make the computer slower and it takes forever to login/logout each time. What can I do?
Big Family
Ashland, WI
Dear Big Family
Portable Applications that fit on a USB memory drive, for each member of the family, would be the best solution. Each member of the family would have their own USB drive with all documents and applications stored on the USB drive. When one family member wants to use the computer he/she puts in her USB flash drive in the USB port and when completed remove the drive. Which means five things:
- Space and Processing â’“ No need to have any applications on your computer, just the operating system. This will save up space, free up processing power and soft on the budget.
- Security – Each PC USB drive could have their own anti-virus and/or anti-spyware software.
- Privacy â’“ Portable apps are like Las Vegas; what happens on a USB drive stays on the USB drive. This also means if a family members download something harmful only that specific USB drive is affected.
- Cheap â’“ If someone looses, damages or downloads harmful software to their assigned USB drive replacement cost is significantly cheaper than another computer.
- Safe â’“ Each package is tested and controlled to meet all standard of Open Source and Free Software Foundation. All applications are free of virus, spyware and malware.
Options
- Windows users can use PortableApps and WinPenPack.
- Mac OS have the option with FreeSMUG.
- Linux users can use Portable Apps under Wine (http://www.winehq.org/)
PortableApps Suite is a complete collection of portable apps including a web browser, email client, office suite, calendar/scheduler, instant messaging client, antivirus, audio player, sudoku game, password manager, PDF reader, minesweeper clone, backup utility, rock band clone and integrated menu, all preconfigured to work portably. Just drop it on your portable device and youâ’re ready to go. (http://www. portableapps.com/)
Portable Apps comes in three different versions:
Platform Only
No applications other than backup and menu system
This is ideal if you want to create your own portable application USB bundle. For example; only game applications, just a personal backup files or even slide shows as stocking stuffer.
Suite Light
Includes everything except OpenOffice portable, it is replaced with AbiWord.
This is good for those who just want to write and do not have a need for a complete office package.
Suite Standard
Includes everything except for AbiWord.
This is the complete package for someone who wants everything portable.
Note: Install Utilities Separately and customize for your needs.
WinPenPack (set page to English) has a larger collection of free and open source portable programs optimized for use with a USB memory drive. There are five standardized configurations called Pen Packs. No matter which configuration you choose each PenPack is small enough to fit on one USB flash drive. The application list depends on which Pen Pack you choose. (http://www.winpenpack.com/)
The WinPenPack comes in five different flavors:
2GB
The mother load of portable applications, therefore you need at least a 2GB USB drive.
Essential
Includes everything a person would need, without the games and programming software including: Documents management, PIM, Web management, Graphics Programs, Internet Applications, Multimedia, File sharing, Security, System Applications and standard Utilities
Game
Exactly what you thing, games galore â’“ over 30 games.
This is perfect to keep gaming separate from any other programs and software.
School
Everything a teachers and students need to succeed in their work.
This pack includes: Documents management, Personal Information management, Educational games, Graphics and drawing, Internet browser, IM client, email client, Visual browser for Wikipedia pages, Languages and translators, Mind maps software, Math and Geometry applications, Music and audio applications, Science applications, and Utilities for teachers and students.
Web
This is the perfect solution for those who love to program and/or web development.
FreeSMUG portable applications are packaged so you can carry around on any portable device but specific for a Mac. In all, FreeSMUG has packaged 26 different apps, among them Firefox (web), Thunderbird (email), Adium (chat), GIMP (graphics), and VLC (media).
Each application must be downloaded and added to you USB drive individually. But it is worth it to free up you Macâ’s hard drive and eliminate that spinning rainbow. (http://www.freesmug.org/portableapps/)
Where to get a USB flash drive?
- Radio Shack (316 Main St E, Ashland)
- Northern Business Products (204 West 2nd Street)
Good Luck!