What can I do with a FlashDrive (aka ThumbDrive)

[barnowl]

I bought a 1GB flashdrive (a SanDisk for $24.98) and besides moving data from one computer to another, can I also copy and transfer software programs from my desktops to my laptop and vice versa.

For example, can I go into Program files and copy certain program folders, and slip 'em into the laptop? Would this work? Or...

Suppose I download and install some software. Can I go back to the download folder, save that thing I double-clicked to install the program, plant it in the laptop and double click it again to get a copy installed there?

Could you direct me to a website that goes into these things?

[pianistimo]

take it back and get a 2 GB.  my son says you get more.  i really have no idea about how to use them - but apparently my son transfers things to the computer with the printer.  or, carries around his power point projects for school. 

[nicco]

take it back and get a 2 GB.  my son says you get more.

2 is more then 1?? your son is a genius 

[pianistimo]

he's cool.

[barnowl]

So far, I'm batting 0 for 3. Which isn't all that bad.

Things might improve.

But take it back for a 2Gigger, Pianistimo? Did you see how cheaply I got off?

Furthermore, 1Gig is more than enough for my purposes.

[thalbergmad]

2 is more then 1?? your son is a genius 

Must have got it from his mother.

Thal

[nicco]

he's cool.

of course it was just a silly joke

im sure you have a great family

[Siberian Husky]

Must have got it from his mother.

Thal

ouch

[barnowl]

I am heartbroken, inconsolable, and aggrieved that this Board doesn't have at least one sympathetic nerd, one compassionate geek, one empathetic computer whiz who will answer my question properly.

 

[Kassaa]

You can't copy program files to your drive and use it on an other computer/laptop, because when you install, there are also things written in the Windows® registry which aren't stored in the folder. If you want to install something from your drive, copy the setup files to them.

Suppose I download and install some software. Can I go back to the download folder, save that thing I double-clicked to install the program, plant it in the laptop and double click it again to get a copy installed there?

Like that. The drive is also handy to copy files from your pc to your laptop which are just too big to email.

[quantum]

You can't copy Windows programs. 

But you can install Linux on your thumb drive and use that where ever you go as long as the computer supports booting from a USB drive.  Do this an you have a complete portable operating system with all your programs and files. 

I concur 2GB would get more for your money now a days. 

[pianojems]

barnowl, I have several flash drives and I love them to death. You can use it as a floppy or CD-R disk to save any files you like without the bulk. It is also large enough to store tons of music, videos, pictures (from digital camera or internet), and more.

I also export my favorite sites from internet explorer to the flash drive, so I can use them in any computer away from home.

I love being able to take it anywhere with me. Many times I add piano music to it, and listen from any computer, even at work. I also store tons of piano sheet music on it in pdf format. Usually I save them from public domain websites. Then I can print out music on the go.

Regarding installing programs, it would not work to just save the program files. I save installers on the flash drive, and then install any program I like on any computer. Once you start using it you get hooked trust me. I hope this helps!

have fun!

[quantum]

You can put Firefox on a flash drive so you don't have to use IE. 

also see these:
https://www.techtastic.ca/articles/portable.html