Portable Word/Reader Questions*
One of my more popular articles discussed using a thumb drive to run applications (to read it, click here), and my two previous articles discussed Microsoft Word (click on “MS Word” in the Tag Cloud), which led to two reader questions which I think are worth posting — in the Q’s and their A’s format.
Q: Is there a version of Word I can run on my U3 thumb drive?
A: There are tremendous advantages to running programs from a thumb drive (particularly when using someone-elses’ computer), and there are many programs already developed that are designed to do this, which are called “portable”.
The answer to this question is: no… and yes. Microsoft has not released a portable version of any of the programs in the Office suite, and I have not read of any plans to do so in the future. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot find warez and hacks out there. Loyal friends and true of this blog know that I would never advocate advocate the use of this kind of software; aside from the question of legality, the security risks are simply too great.
That is not to say you cannot run a word processor from your thumb drive. If you have loaded your thumb drive with the Portable Apps suite, 
(wildly popular, and previously recommended here) you already have the free Open Source suite of programs called Open Office which includes a “clone” of Word called Write. This works so much like Word that there’s practically a zero learning-curve.
Users of the U3 system of thumb drives 
need to download Open Office to add it to the installed programs. To do this manually, visit http://software.u3.com/, which will show you all of the U3 programs available– listed by category. But the easiest way is to plug in your thumb drive and launch the U3 “Launchpad” from the System Tray, and click on the “Add programs>>” link.
You might also want to consider using MS Works, which is Word compatible. For more on that, click here.
Q: Can I use portable Write to read Word documents?
A: The two main portable word processors (and there are others, if you’re the experimental sort) — Open Office’s Write, and the platform-independent AbiWord— allow you to open, and edit MS Word documents. They also allow you to save to HTML, PDF, and Word formats (this step is taken in the Save As menu) which allows you to send your documents to anyone.
Today’s free link(s): You needn’t put these word processors on a thumb drive to use them (and get to know and love them). Click the links in the paragraph above to get free word processing power for your regular computer as well.
* Original posting 10/19/07
Copyright 2007-9 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix
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Holiday Edition: portable word processors
Tech–for Everyone is taking a short break for the Holiday, and I am re-posting a prior article. This post appeared 10/19/07. I sincerely hope you all are having a safe and a happy holiday. My online Tech Support business is open as usual.
One of my more popular articles discussed using a thumb drive to run applications (to read it, click here), and my two previous articles discussed Microsoft Word (click on “MS Word” in the Tag Cloud), which led to two reader questions which I think are worth posting — in the Q’s and their A’s format.
Q: Is there a version of Word I can run on my U3 thumb drive?
A: There are tremendous advantages to running programs from a thumb drive (particularly when using someone-elses’ computer), and there are many programs already developed that are designed to do this, which are called “portable”.
The answer to this question is: no… and yes. Microsoft has not released a portable version of any of the programs in the Office suite, and I have not read of any plans to do so in the future. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot find warez and hacks out there. Loyal friends and true of this blog know that I would never advocate advocate the use of this kind of software; aside from the question of legality, the security risks are simply too great.
That is not to say you cannot run a word processor from your thumb drive. If you have loaded your thumb drive with the Portable Apps suite, 
(wildly popular, and previously recommended here) you already have the free Open Source suite of programs called Open Office which includes a “clone” of Word called “Write”. This works so much like Word (and can open Word docs) that there’s practically a zero learning-curve.
Users of the U3 system of thumb drives 
can download Open Office to add it to the installed programs. To do this manually, visit http://software.u3.com/, which will show you all of the U3 programs available– listed by category. But the easiest way is to plug in your thumb drive and launch the U3 “Launchpad” from the System Tray, and click on the “Add programs>>” link.
[Update: Bill Mullins has brought to my attention a program for running apps on your thumbdrive that seems superior to others I have mentioned. To read his review, click here.]
Q: Can I use portable Write to read Word documents?
A: The two main portable word processors (and there are others, if you’re the experimental sort) — Open Office’s Write, and the platform-independent AbiWord— allow you to open, and edit MS Word documents. They also allow you to Save to HTML, PDF, and Word formats (this step is taken in the Save As menu) which allows you to send your documents to anyone.
And the best part? These programs are free!
[I also wrote an article which explains the steps for installing regular, not “portable”, programs onto a thumb drive: https://techpaul.wordpress.com/2007/12/12/how-to-install-a-program-on-your-thumb-drive/]
Today’s free link(s): You needn’t put these word processors on a thumb drive to use them (and get to know and love them). Click the links in the paragraph above to get free word processing power.
Copyright 2007 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved.
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Portable word processors and more reader questions
One of my more popular articles discussed using a thumb drive to run applications (to read it, click here), and my two previous articles discussed Microsoft Word (click on “MS Word” in the Tag Cloud), which led to two reader questions which I think are worth posting — in the Q’s and their A’s format.
Q: Is there a version of Word I can run on my U3 thumb drive?
A: There are tremendous advantages to running programs from a thumb drive (particularly when using someone-elses’ computer), and there are many programs already developed that are designed to do this, which are called “portable”.
The answer to this question is: no… and yes. Microsoft has not released a portable version of any of the programs in the Office suite, and I have not read of any plans to do so in the future. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot find warez and hacks out there. Loyal friends and true of this blog know that I would never advocate advocate the use of this kind of software; aside from the question of legality, the security risks are simply too great.
That is not to say you cannot run a word processor from your thumb drive. If you have loaded your thumb drive with the Portable Apps suite, (wildly popular, and previously recommended here) you already have the free Open Source suite of programs called Open Office which includes a “clone” of Word called Write. This works so much like Word that there’s practically a zero learning-curve.
Users of the U3 system of thumb drives need to download Open Office to add it to the installed programs. To do this manually, visit http://software.u3.com/, which will show you all of the U3 programs available– listed by category. But the easiest way is to plug in your thumb drive and launch the U3 “Launchpad” from the System Tray, and click on the “Add programs>>” link.
You might also want to consider using MS Works, which is Word compatible. For more on that, click here.
Q: Can I use portable Write to read Word documents?
A: The two main portable word processors (and there are others, if you’re the experimental sort) — Open Office’s Write, and the platform-independent AbiWord— allow you to open, and edit MS Word documents. They also allow you to save to HTML, PDF, and Word formats (this step is taken in the Save As menu) which allows you to send your documents to anyone.
Today’s free link(s): You needn’t put these word processors on a thumb drive to use them (and get to know and love them). Click the links in the paragraph above to get free word processing power.
Copyright 2007 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved.
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A Daily Read*
It’s a fact: over time, things grow, and expand. The Internet itself is constantly growing, and every day thousands of new websites, blogs, and ‘online services’ appear.
I find it hard to keep up! (As, other things that are constantly growing are my business and my To Do List..) I simply do not have the time to explore them all.. and I bet you don’t either. (As a matter of fact, they say over 1,000 new ‘tech blogs’ are created each month. That’s the kind of market I am in!)
Fortunately, I know a guy.
That “guy” is Rick Robinette, and for over two years now his What’s On My PC… website has been a daily read of mine — one of the half dozen (or less) remaining “daily reads”. I cannot say enough nice things about him; but the reason I am mentioning him to you, Dear Reader, is — he is reporting on the new ‘cloud computing’ developments as they happen, and bringing us the best of this new stuff. As you can see from his list of ‘pages’, below. (With a strong emphasis on free.. which I like!)
His writing is friendly, relaxed, fun, and yes, educational. He enjoys exploring fun and useful small utilities like desktop clocks and weather reports and sticky notes. As evidence, here’s a few recent What’s On My PC… articles:
Freahly printed: Three Technological Innovations That Will Blow Your Mind
“Technology never ceases to amaze me. Check out these three technological innovations that will blow your mind — a spherical flying machine; brain imaging technology that is leading us down the road to mind reading; and, ASIMO, the humanoid robot. Spherical flying machine developed by Defense Ministry’s Research Department The world’s first spherical flying machine […]” Read more..
Other samplings..
- How did I miss out on the Google Chrome Web Store?
- An Awesome Web-Based Sticky Notes Service
- Calculate More with the Windows 7 Calculator
- FREE On-Demand Music, Internet Radio and MORE!
- Humor: My Blackberry Is Not Working
- NEW: Play Up to 1GB Video Files in Google Docs
- FREE Software to Organize and Cheer Up Your Desktop
- Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows XP, Vista and 7
- Get Live Audio Feeds of Police, Fire and EMS On Your Computer
If you are at all interested in free software, useful tips, and/or want to get a feel for this “cloud computing”.. well, now you ‘know a guy’ too. Visit http://whatsonmypc.wordpress.com and find out why I cannot say enough good things about this great online resource.
I am pretty sure that if you do, Rick will become one of your “must reads” too!
* Orig post: 1/18/11
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
A Daily Dose of Tech
It’s a fact: over time, things grow, and expand. The Internet itself is constantly growing, and every day thousands of new websites, blogs, and ‘online services’ appear.
I find it hard to keep up! (As, other things that are constantly growing are my business and my To Do List..) I simply do not have the time to explore them all.. and I bet you don’t either. (As a matter of fact, they say over 1,000 new ‘tech blogs’ are created each month. That’s the kind of market I am in!)
Fortunately, I know a guy.
That “guy” is Rick Robinette, and for over two years now his What’s On My PC… website has been a daily read of mine — one of the half dozen (or less) remaining “daily reads”. I cannot say enough nice things about him; but the reason I am mentioning him to you, Dear Reader, is — he is reporting on the new ‘cloud computing’ developments as they happen, and bringing us the best of this new stuff. As you can see from his list of ‘pages’, below. (With a strong emphasis on free.. which I like!)
His writing is friendly, relaxed, fun, and yes, educational. He enjoys exploring fun and useful small utilities like desktop clocks and weather reports and sticky notes. For proof, here’s a few recent What’s On My PC… articles:
- How did I miss out on the Google Chrome Web Store?
- An Awesome Web-Based Sticky Notes Service
- Calculate More with the Windows 7 Calculator
- FREE On-Demand Music, Internet Radio and MORE!
- Humor: My Blackberry Is Not Working
- NEW: Play Up to 1GB Video Files in Google Docs
- FREE Software to Organize and Cheer Up Your Desktop
- Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows XP, Vista and 7
- Get Live Audio Feeds of Police, Fire and EMS On Your Computer
If you are at all interested in free software, useful tips, and/or want to get a feel for this “cloud computing”.. well, now you ‘know a guy’ too. Visit http://whatsonmypc.wordpress.com and find out why I cannot say enough good things about this great online resource.
I am pretty sure that if you do, Rick will become one of your “must reads” too!
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
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License Winners Announced
The folks at Codyssey have generously donated 10 licenses for CodySafe Σ (Sigma) to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. CodySafe is essentially a portable applications launcher and portable drive management tool for use with USB thumb drives, for making them into a “computer on a stick”. With it, you launch your “portable” programs and files from a Vista-like menu.
Publisher’s description:
“The CodySafe line offers a collection of best portable apps menu tools allowing you to carry computer applications with you, to launch them directly from the USB stick with ease and leave no “footprint” on the host PC. Its Drive Doctor feature keeps flash memory healthy; its ViruSense technology detects and prevents virus infection, and the Find-if-Lost tool allows storing your contact information to aid in recovery if you lose your USB stick. Along with all these options and tools the next generation – CodySafe Sigma – grants you instant access to hundreds of portable apps, fast search and launch option and nested grouping of apps.”
I found it easy enough for beginners (I do suggest plugging in your thumb drive before launching the CodySafe setup though) and, I think even the free version is superior to either the PortableApps or U3 suites. I use CodySafe as my tech “PC repair toolkit on a stick”. I used their free “Admin Swiss Knife Suite” version as a starting point, as it comes pre-loaded with many tools and utilities useful for solving PC troubles, then added more apps.
This is not the only use for CodySafe though! A friend of mine uses his CodySafe enabled drive mainly as a music library. CodySafe is very versatile. (To read my review, click here.)
CodySafe is free, and CodySafe Σ (Sigma) retails for $9.90. You can compare the editions here. T4E readers can receive a 15% discount on any CodySafe product: simply enter TechPaul15% in the coupon code box at checkout.
And the winners are….
Winners will be sent an email containing the license key, with the subject CodySafe Winner. (You may need to check your Junk folder..) My congratulations to the winners, and my thanks to all who participated.
And, again, my thanks to the folks at Codyssey for making this giveaway possible!
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. 
post to jaanix.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
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Software License Giveaway Drawing: CodySafe Sigma
Folks, I am pleased to announce my latest software license giveaway drawing.
The folks at Codyssey have generously donated 10 licenses for CodySafe Σ (Sigma) to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. So I am going to do a random drawing¹ contest from folks who “enter” by posting a comment (below). The drawing will close midnight (Pacific) Thursday, July 22nd, and the winners announced Friday. So act now.
CodySafe is essentially a portable applications launcher and portable drive management tool for use with USB drives, and making them a “computer on a stick”. With it, you launch your “portable” programs and files from a Vista-like menu. Below, I will give you my impressions and some screenshots, but first…
| CNet Editors say, “Every now and again, a free utility or application stands out from the crowd. CodySafe from Codyssey is just such a tool.. CodySafe is handy, unique, fun, and free. It opens the door to a world of compact, portable, and efficient applications, and we recommend it.” (Read complete review here) |
 |
“I know there are many portable app menus and launchers available, but this one may be the most feature driven, nicest looking portable apps menu I have experienced thus far.”
~ Rick Robinette, What’s On My PC, CodySafe FREE – The Ultimate Portable Apps Menu
“Why use a USB flash drive as a mere data shuttle? The free CodySafe is one of the cleverest ways you can find to turn a USB flash drive into what the developer calls a “computer on a stick.“”
~ Preston Gralla, PC World, Editorial Review of CodySafe
Publisher’s description:
“The CodySafe line offers a collection of best portable apps menu tools allowing you to carry computer applications with you, to launch them directly from the USB stick with ease and leave no “footprint” on the host PC. Its Drive Doctor feature keeps flash memory healthy; its ViruSense technology detects and prevents virus infection, and the Find-if-Lost tool allows storing your contact information to aid in recovery if you lose your USB stick. Along with all these options and tools the next generation – CodySafe Sigma – grants you instant access to hundreds of portable apps, fast search and launch option and nested grouping of apps.”
This slideshow illustrates some of the features of CodySafe. Here, I am copying a program installed on my laptop to my “thumb drive toolkit” – in this case, the ZIP file tool, 7Zip, and I put it in the “Utilities” folder. (This is just to illustrate the method..)
“CodySafe Sigma enables you to manage, group, sort and launch programs directly from your USB drive with no need to install them on your computer. CodySafe Σ (Sigma) integrates the “Apps Depot” feature, enabling instant access to the world’s widest library of portable applications, one-click download and immediate installation of the application to your portable drive. You can quickly launch your programs, access documents, media files or explore the content of your USB drive.
The program includes an application manager that makes it easy to add new programs to the launch menu. Other features include a built-in hotkey manager to launch applications and URLs, applications instant search, autorun management, support for advanced script options and much more. CodySafe offers unparalleled convenience and ease of use, fitting any level of user proficiency.”
I found it easy enough for beginners (I do suggest plugging in your thumb drive before launching the CodySafe setup though) and, I think even the free version is superior to either the PortableApps or U3 suites. (Compare CodySafe editions, here. Read my other articles on portable apps here.)
Unless you have a true OS on your pen drive (aka “thumb drive, aka “memory stick”), “computer on a stick” smacks a bit of hyperbole – however , I do carry a tech “toolkit on a stick”. In fact, that was how I first came to learn of CodySafe, as their free “Admin Swiss Knife Suite” version comes pre-loaded with many tools and utilities useful for solving PC troubles. I used it as a starting point; deleted some apps (with a click) and added others from other sources – such as anti-Spywares – to build my own custom portable PC repair toolkit. This is not the only use for CodySafe though! A friend of mine uses his CodySafe enabled drive mainly as a music library. CodySafe is very versatile.
How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada may enter the drawing by simply clicking on “comment”, and entering a name and valid e-mail (so I can send you the key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but multiple entries will result in disqualification.
Again, I thank the folks at Codyssey for making this giveaway possible. Try it out yourself. (And then leave a comment. You may just win an activation key..) You can get started by looking at the applications list, here, or click any of the links above.
¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “randomizer”, and the top 10 results will be the winners.
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
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• About Tech Paul
I am a Retired computer & network technician. I used to think the machines were pretty cool. Now I don’t.
They’re anything but.
I regularly posted how-to’s and tricks & tips and general computing advice here starting in 2007. (Use the Search tool to find answers. But be aware, many are rather dated.) Sometimes I answered (your) specific questions in an article if I believed the answer was generally helpful to “everyone”. All the writing you see was my own, typos and all. There always is/was an implied “IMHO” in what you see here.
Note: You are responsible for using this blog and its content. I am in no way liable for any losses caused by user error, viruses and/or other malware, hardware or software failure, or any other conceivable reason.
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