How many times have you felt like breaking a public computer because it didn’t have the apps you need? I know from experience that having to use a public computer that doesn’t have the software you need is very frustrating. If only you could carry your PC with you without actually having to carry it! Well, actually the answer is simple – free portable platforms, that let you carry your computer with you on any portable drive (USB stick, iPod, etc.). Here are three that I really like.

1. PortableApps.com Platform and Suite

PortableApps.com Suite is a complete collection of portable applications. It lets you carry your computer with all your settings, bookmarks, emails, etc. wherever you go. It’s safe to use, as it won’t leave any personal data behind. Just connect your thumb drive to any Windows computer and enjoy your favourite apps.

All versions of the PortableApps.com Suite include the integrated PortableApps.com Menu and the PortableApps.com Backup utility along with a set of custom icons, an autoplay configuration, folders, and a quick start shortcut. Here’s what you get:

• Mozilla Firefox, Portable Edition (web browser)
• Mozilla Thunderbird, Portable Edition (email)
• Mozilla Sunbird, Portable Edition (calendar/tasks)
• ClamWin Portable (antivirus)
• Pidgin Portable (instant messaging)
• Sumatra PDF Portable (PDF reader
• KeePass Password Safe Portable (password manager)
• Sudoku Portable (game)
• Mines-Perfect Portable (game)
• CoolPlayer+ Portable (audio player)
• OpenOffice.org Portable (office suite)

If you don’t need OpenOffice.org Portable, download the Light Suite – it includes AbiWord Portable (word processor) instead.

2. CodySafe

CodySafe lets you carry your programs with you, easily manage them, launch them from any PC without leaving any traces. It has a pretty cool menu and looks trendy. CodySafe is compatible with Windows 7.

The current version of CodySafe includes a set of useful features. With CodySafe you can:

• Add and remove portable applications
• Manage Auto-Run applications feature
• Keep your drive healthy with Drive Doctor
• Prevent and detect AutoRun viruses infection
• Set custom command line parameters
• Manage documents and pictures, music and video on your removable media
• Always know the amount of used and free space of your portable drive

3. MojoPac

MojoPac can be installed on any USB 2.0 device – a thumb drive, iPod, USB camera, USB-enabled mobile phone – and turn it into a portable computing environment. Just plug a MojoPac device into any PC and turn it into your own familiar desktop, with instant access to all your files and applications. Again, you won’t leave any traces on the computer you’ve been using. MojoPac won’t affect that computer and that computer won’t affect MojoPac.

First install MojoPac on your drive, then install your favourite apps and customize your desktop. Warning: It will ONLY run on a Windows XP computer (which, in my opinion, is a shame).