If you own or are considering the purchase of a USB drive (a.k.a. USB Thumbdrive, USB Key, USB Pendrive) you will invariably come across some drives bearing this symbol:

 

U3 enabled drives, for some, provides some useful features in addition to file storage.  U3 enabled drives come bundled with pre-installed software called “LaunchPad”.  The U3 LaunchPad, amongst other things, provides quick and handy tools for navigating files and folders on your drive, eject function, drive security (if available) and the ability to install and use several U3 “Smart Programs” – common applications that have been ported to fit and execute directly from your USB drive.

 

To browse, download and install applications on your U3 enable drive, you can click “Add Programs” or “Download Programs” from your LaunchPad menu (see picture above) or go here: http://software.u3.com/SoftwareCentral.aspx?skip=1

There are hundreds of applications available including games, office and business, internet, security, photo and drawing and much more.  Some are available for free while others are provided as trial, shareware or purchase offerings.

 

 

Some of the advantages of portable applications on your USB drive are that, regardless where you are, if you have access to a computer with a USB port, you have access to your favorite applications; using a web browser such as Firefox from your USB drive means you always have your bookmarks with you.

Personally, I don’t use U3 as I prefer PortableApps.  One reason is that U3 Launchpad can be annoying.  Not only does it launch automatically, it also installs a virtual DVD drive.  If you are working on different computers, it may prompt you to restart.  If you are on computers and you don’t have administrative rights, you may have limited use.

Another great source for all things portable is Pendriveapps – a complete directory of applications for your USB drive.  A great resource not only for Windows users but MAC OS and Linux as well.

If you have no intention of using U3 functionality and find the LaunchPad extremely annoying, read our tutorial on “U3 – How to remove U3 LaunchPad from your USB drive”.

Thanks for reading!

This article is brought to you by zeke43- www.dodisdodat.com

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Computers & Software - Software Utilities