Most programs need to be installed the traditional way in order to work correctly, but here at NeoTeo we tend to recommend portable versions whenever possible. Many users prefer that route because, besides moving software around, they feel comfortable keeping the operating system "cleaner", but that does not remove the obligation of managing your copies. That is when Zero Install comes to the rescue: a combination of administrator and repository of portable applications.
The more efficient and austere you are when choosing programs, the fewer problems you will experience over time. Some might wonder what is the point of having a reasonably decent computer if you have to keep a close watch on each installation. The answer is that, in general, software should not receive the benefit of the doubt. A developer can do things very badly from one version to the next, and we are the ones who clean up the mess afterwards. Portable applications have the potential to reduce that negative impact. Beyond some forgotten configuration file, the simple act of deleting their folder makes them disappear. Now the question is how to run and manage them without falling into an endless labyrinth of manual intervention. The key is Zero Install.
How to run applications without installing them with Zero Install
Everything begins with downloading and opening Zero Install. The program will make a few quick updates, show a tutorial video, and be ready to use. The central element of Zero Install is its catalog, where you will find a list of very popular programs and alternative projects. For example, Media Player Classic Home Cinema and VLC Player are there, as are 7-Zip, GIMP and Blender, the Dolphin emulator and DOSBox, LibreOffice, and the password manager KeePass in both of its editions. To run one of these programs, simply click the Run button. Zero Install will download all the required resources and create a local cache, which you can manage and/or purge whenever you like. If you want the program to have a more permanent presence, click the star icon and it will move to the "My Applications" tab.
The only major drawback: outdated catalog entries
The only major drawback of Zero Install is that some entries in its catalog are painfully outdated. KeePass Classic may be up to date at build 1.37, but downloading 7-Zip we discovered it sits at version 9.20 (November 2010). In the case of Media Player Classic Home Cinema, the delay is almost two years (1.7.13, July 2017), and Multi Commander throws an alert every time we open it, announcing that the version is too old (and its internal updater has errors). Of course, there is nothing wrong with using older, stable builds on certain systems, but personally I hope for greater commitment between the developers and the creator of Zero Install.
Official site and download: Click here.
