OK, I use about a dozen portable apps on my hard drive without any problems. As a partial evangelist for portable apps, I have a question:
1. Is having your portable apps on a PC folder (NOT program files\) safer than installing the regular version and have it show up in Program Files\ folder? Does malware target that folder (I would assume yes)? So are we safer with portable apps on some other folder?
2. Some of my programs are available x64 (regular install) and 32-bit portableapp. (YEs, I know there are a few x64 portable apps but not many yet). I've read that 64 bit is safer than 32 bit.
Am I mistaken on 1 and 2? From a security standpoint ALONE, which is the best bet? x64 regular install or portable app on a NON program files folder. Or does it make no difference given the malware tactics??
jjb
Vista 32-bit and 64-bit machines
4GB RAM
2.2 Ghz each
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It doesn't change anything, most malware target running apps, not specifically Program Files. It may, but for most people, safer to assume, yes, it can target any running app.
(On a side note: Best way to prevent this would be to NOT run as an admin on a daily basis. Set up an account dedicated to administering, then set your own account up for everyday usage. If you need to run something as an admin, right click and choose "Run as...")
No difference. 64-bit OSes still can still run 32-bit apps, so no difference is made. The ONLY difference between 64-bit and 32-bit is that 64-bit programs get more memory available, making them faster. It does not change any security levels.
Overall, if you're asking these questions, you're probably one of the paranoid variety, where I suggest you ought to run antivirus whenever possible. You can't hide from malware, but you can find it.
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