winPenPack 4.5

I can hardly find any use for portable software packs. Personally, by commuting between two or three computers most of the time, I made sure that whatever program I might need is already installed. However, I can think of some instances where portable software could be useful. For example, if you often find yourself at a different computer, such as the odd company workstation that has trouble connecting to the network, or a school computer that does not accept any new installations, winPenPack could be a saving grace.

As you might expect, winPenPack is a collection of open source software apps that you can fit onto a portable USB drive, with the condition that it can hold more than two gigabytes. winPenPack contains some forty applications in their mobile form. Double-clicking on one will launch it, while right-clicking will bring up a customized menu from which you can access additional application options, reorganize the application list, and even delete unnecessary apps.

You can also add new applications. After finding a compatible app, you will need to copy it in the 'bin' folder and add it to a category list from the right-click menu.

The applications use the winPenPack folder to store data, such as saved files, profiles, and web bookmarks. You can easily access an application's location folder from the right-click menu.

winPenPack also checks for app updates whenever it has access to the Internet. Updates can be downloaded and applied in bulk.

Features

• Dozens of pre-installed apps, sorted by category
• List customization
• Automatic updates
• Extensive right-click menu

Conclusion

winPenPack is the computer version of a high protein nutbar. You might need one if you're always on the move. But then again, with the far reach of the Internet and in areas with good download speeds, you might not need it.