Using this type of software isn't just for external hardware devices either. They are therefore perfect to carry around with your media library without you having to install the right software on every computer you use.

Portable apps (short for applications) are software distributions that don't need to be installed on a computer to run. This is commonly referred to as a portable app and can be stored on virtually any hardware device (including an iPod, MP3 player, PMP, etc.) that can be connected to a computer (usually via USB or Bluetooth). However, if you don't want to be tied down to a particular computer just because it has the right software on it, then a more flexible way is to use a portable version of your favorite media playing software.

Normally, in order to play media files (music, videos, etc.) on a computer from an external device such as a hard drive, flash drive, or a memory card, you need to make sure that an appropriate software media player is already installed on the machine you are using.

Portable apps usb