PortableApps.com Platform 1.1 Beta 4 (Testers Needed)

Here is a list of misc bugs, and suggestions,
1. The menu that pops up when you right click the icon does not auto-detect new folders added to the Documents Directory (the same is true for the list on the right hand side of the menu).
2. For the next release, can you make the installer have a tree-view of all the apps, and allow you to de-select them for install
3. The four arrows courser at the top of the menu(where you can drag the menu from)is a bit annoying, can you add an option to keep the normal courser there instead of that one
4. The options menu should include the things you can change in the ini file such as the starting location, and fading
5. It would also be nice if the documents, videos, music, etc folders would open on the left hand menu where the apps are now instead of in a new window (perhaps you could use tabs to switch back and forth)
6. Making the window re-sizable would be VERY nice

I'm sorry if I seem hypercritical, you really do have a good thing going here

hello,

have you a final version for apps menu after beta 4 ?

i would like use the beta 4 for my 500 students and french package (openoffice, clamwin, firefox, 7zip, vlc, thunderbird, keypass, sumatra, audacity, gimp)

it's possible ?
no problem to use ?

thanks for big work elephant work

pat

Professeur d'éducation Technologique développant une expérience de dématérialisation de classeur élève sur clé usb visite sur www.martonne.net

One problem. I had a custom theme in my theme directory and the install overwrote it.

Sean

The usable height on my screen is 454px, so I would need a way to adjust the height of the menu to fit. I tried various settings, but it seems there is a hard-coded minimum (too large for me).
The first line from above I can see on the right (standard settings) is "Music", and I'm missing the first two entries from the left part.

Regards, Manfred Staudinger

As a developer, I do spend a considerable bit of time developing pertinent icons for the programs that I use / create. The menu uses the 16x16 pixel icons only, and does not give an option to use either 32x32 or 48x48 pixel icons. Could this be added? Also, if multiple executables exist in a folder, can the ini file store which exe file is to be displayed and which should be hidden?

Thanks,
Scott Thomson, a.k.a. RPG Man

I've changed the language to "Español" and now none of the "Keyboard Accelerators" will work (except Videos).

Well, with regards to the auto-updater, this might be a good resource.
I'd be willing to write the backend code in Delphi and the INI stuff if you:

1. Give me write access to the SVN server (I think that's already done)
2. Start using SVN for development
3. Write the GUI stuff for me. I'm no good at that stuff so I'd have to use the IDE, which I don't like doing

----
Ryan McCue.
Blog.
So all that Airbus-delay trouble over here in Europe is because of YOU!
Simeon.

Hi John, I just thought I'd say that I really love your PortableApps Menu. I live in Australia and I've been using your Standard Edition suite since Australian PC User put the program on their August edition cover DVD and since I've read the article about PortableApps in that same magazine. Since then, I've tried Beta 4 and definitely think it is much better than the 1.0 release! I am looking forward to an official release soon!!

I only have one problem; my mum uses WebShots to change the picture on the desktop. I haven't tried the Wallpaper swapper yet as I am afraid of using it and the original picture not be put back up. Is it OK to use the wallpaper swapper when WebShots is running?

Thanks again for a wonderful program. Unfortunately, since we're not on broadband (we still use the old 56K modem), I can't download large files, nor downloade updates. We are going to get broadband eventually, but not sure when and when we do, I will be checking for updates more regularly!! I am truely a PortableApps fan!

Bradley Eaton
(eltonbrad)

My most-used folders on my flash drive are custom-named ones containing my website files and several other folders. It would be great if there was a way to easily modify the menu so that the user could choose their own links (i.e., instead of "documents," "music," etc.- which are things that I NEVER use.)

Perhaps there could be an option under the "options" menu called "configure folders" or something.

It would also rock if you could stick links to your favorite websites onto the menu-
Perhaps not as needful since most people use FireFox Portable (I LOVE IT,) but it still might be convenient. I'm not sure if it's worth sacrificing the space for a "Links" menu or not, though...

I love the idea of a user picture. I hope that idea makes it.

Concerning the wallpaper switcher. Would it be possible to have PAM reconize the screen resolution of the host computer and then load a .bmp of the correct size. Like if you named the wallpaper portableapps_wallpaper_1440x900.bmp or portableapps_wallpaper_800x600.bmp.

I think the website address for WebShots is http://www.webshots.com. The program that you download is Webshots Desktop. I really hope someone can see about the Wallpaper Swapper and WebShots situation, I'm just not going to try and do anything with it until I know it is safe to use with WebShots.

Bye the way, just so you all know, I am probably on the Internet at least once a week, so I'm really sorry if I don't respond straight away. I'll check whenever I'm on though!!

I realize this version is beta and doesn't include the theme implementations, which is why I am currently sticking with the MOD version.

However, upon working on my theme, an idea came to me. Why not eliminate the "Explorer" button altogether and have the "Drive Label" provide the link instead? In other words, clicking the drive label would take the place of the Explorer button's action.

In regards to themes, would it be possible for you to separate the "Drive Label" into "Drive Name" and "Drive Letter"? This will allow (themers) the option of placing the labels separately within the menu.

hello,

i have a dream the beta 5 is ok

what's news, please

thanks

do please in following version: in main window thematic sections >thank you

I noticed that the swappable wallpaper image is stretched if not the full size of the desktop. Thought maybe a feature in the INI file maybe to pick how you want it displayed wouldn't be to hard - Centered, Stretched, Tiled. No big issues we can just make the images matted or however you want it.

EDIT: Also, I would like to see a feature where you can set the name for the program that displays in the menu. Example: AudioGrabber has a blank name feild so the description shows up.

Hi John
The Hebrew translation to the menu I have made is long ready and I would like it to be included if it's possible, Please let me know if there are any changes I have to make In order for it to be included

Kind Regards

Good day, I am trying to "install a new app" on my HD and it does not show up in the menu selection after the install. I used: Firefox_Portable_2.0.0.8_en-us.paf.exe

Seems to me I should be able to set the files up on a USB or HD to make it work - Is my assumption incorrect? Is there a way I could use my HD if I am incorrect?

One more - I have been using "no install" apps for years. Is there a way I can add these to the menu either by converting the .exe's to a paf.exe or by some other means? (I have no idea how to convert to a paf.exe - is this info available as a tutorial or a program?)

Thanks all - I really look forward to use the menu system !!

Hi,

I don't know if it was reported before, but if somebody did it, please excuse me.
I just downloaded PortableApps.com Platform 1.1 Beta 4. The problem is that it's not displaying well the text that should appear when placing the mouse over the tray icons. The menu is displayed on top of text.

See here: http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/7567/notg9.jpg

The text is displayed well if the window is moved. See here:
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4863/okjp8.jpg

One more thing... What can I do to have no picture on upper right corner?

Hello John, hello all!

First I'd like to let You all know how much I appreciate all the work and effort You put into this extremely useful project: Thank You!

I have now used the PortableApps.com Platform 1.1 Beta 4 for more than a month, without any major problems, more or less. Nevertheless I quickly seemed to have spotted a minor "glitch" in the workings of the PortableApps Menu, and which I don't remember having seen anyone to have mentioned yet.

Background:

Launching the Menu, using the default configuration (i.e. StartPosition being unset/empty) will bring up the Menu at the lower right of the screen (above the SysTray in the Taskbar). This can be changed with one of the StartPosition configuration options 'UpperRight', 'UpperLeft', 'LowerLeft' and 'Center' (in addition to 'LowerRight' - the default).

Reality:

I'm using PortableApps.com in an environment were I access/support different remote Windows machines via VNC. Most of these, by default, have the Taskbar at the bottom of their screens and thus I try to place the Taskbar on my own machines at one of the three other sides (i.e. at the top, left or right). Once in a while I need to access one of my own machines too, remotely via VNC, and therefore place the Taskbar along different sides on different machines, to make it more intuitive which Taskbar belongs to what machine.

Now, this is were the "glitch" manifested itself. Since the portable device moves between these my machines, with the Taskbar along different sides depending on the machine, the existing configuration options, IMHO, seem to lack one useful option.

Would it be possible to add e.g. an 'auto' option that automagically detects along which side the Taskbar resides and bring up the PortableApps.com Menu next to the SysTray of it? I.e. at the UpperRight, LowerLeft or LowerRigth, depending of the location of the Taskbar (I'm not aware of if it also is possible to relocate the SysTray in the Taskbar too, or not).

Another thing I have noticed is that the Menu doesn't seem to adhere/adjust to whether Taskbar auto-hiding is set to on/off.

Thank You for Your time.

On any computer I use the menu on its slow! As soon as the menu opens, my mouse seems to not react like it should. I have had other forks like geek.menu perform better than this in the way of speed. Otherwise no complaints.

Hi!

I've just installed the 1.1 beta 4 and saw that there ain't a hungarian translation, so I made one.
Create a file:
<drive>:\PortableApps\PortableAppsMenu\App\Locale\Magyar.locale
And then copy&paste the code below:

[FORM_MAIN]
ICON_DOCUMENTS=&Dokumentumok
ICON_MUSIC=&Zene
ICON_PICTURES=K&épek
ICON_VIDEOS=&Videók
ICON_EXPLORE=&Megnyitás
ICON_BACKUP=Biztonsági m&entés
ICON_OPTIONS=&Beállítások
ICON_HELP=&Segítség
ICON_SEARCH=&Keresés
MENU_BACKUP=Fájlok biztonsági mentése
MENU_RESTORE=Viszaállítás biztonsági mentésből
MENU_OPTIONS_SMALL_FONTS=Kis Betűk
MENU_OPTIONS_LARGE_FONTS=Nagy Betűk
MENU_OPTIONS_ADD_APP=Új program telepítése
MENU_OPTIONS_REMOVE_APP=Program eltávolítása
MENU_OPTIONS_REFRESH_ICONS=Programikonok frissítése
MENU_OPTIONS_GET_APPS=További programok keresése...
MENU_OPTIONS_LANGUAGE=Nyelv
MENU_HELP_ABOUT=Névjegy
MENU_SEARCH_DRIVE=Keresés ezen a meghajtón
MENU_SEARCH_COMPUTER=Keresés ezen a számítógépen
MENU_SEARCH_WEB=Keresés az Interneten
MENU_TRAY_EXIT=K&ilépés

Eff

Without admin rights I get the message : Could Not write to F:\PortableApps\PAM\Data\PAM.inf
The settings file opens an error message in an infanate loop when saving on a library computer.
This might be my drive but please verify

Good job, John. I've just tried this beta in my device and I liked it more than the former version.

This is my wishlist for next versions:

1.- The available space in the device (p.e: 2.45GB free of 4GB) isn't localizated (p.e-Spanish-: 2.45GB libres de 4GB). I know it's the smallest detail

2.- Customize the apps (files .exe) you DON'T want to be displayed in the menu. Useful for apps with several program files in the main folder.

3.- Customize the displayed name of the apps in the menu. Useful for portable apps from others groups, like Framekey (the displayed name of these apps is "version français") or winPenPack (the displayed name of these apps is "winPenPack").

4.- Customize the REAL name of the "Documents" folder and subfolders in the device and make them suitable for the menu.

Suggestion for 2, 3 and 4: New lines in PortableAppsMenu.ini file, p.e:

[DisplayOptions]
LargeFonts=False
Language=Español
#2
[NotDisplayedApps]
PortableApps\BonkEnc\BEcmd.exe
#3
[CustomAppsNames]
PortableApps\CDCheck\X-CDCheck.exe=CDCheck Portable
#4
[CustomFolderNames]
Documents=Documentos
Music=Música
Pictures=Fotos


Hungarian locale file:

[FORM_MAIN]
ICON_DOCUMENTS=&Dokumentum
ICON_MUSIC=&Zene
ICON_PICTURES=&Kép
ICON_VIDEOS=&Videó
ICON_EXPLORE=&Tallózás
ICON_BACKUP=&Archiválás
ICON_OPTIONS=&Opciók
ICON_HELP=&Segítség
ICON_SEARCH=K&eresés
MENU_BACKUP=Filek archiválása
MENU_RESTORE=Visszaállítás archivumból
MENU_OPTIONS_SMALL_FONTS=Kis Fontok
MENU_OPTIONS_LARGE_FONTS=Nagy Fontok
MENU_OPTIONS_ADD_APP=Alkalmazás hozzzáadása
MENU_OPTIONS_REMOVE_APP=Alkalmazás viszavonása
MENU_OPTIONS_REFRESH_ICONS=Ikonok frissítése
MENU_OPTIONS_GET_APPS=További Programok...
MENU_OPTIONS_LANGUAGE=Nyelv
MENU_HELP_ABOUT=Infó
MENU_SEARCH_DRIVE=Keresés ezen a meghajtón
MENU_SEARCH_COMPUTER=Keresés a számítógépen
MENU_SEARCH_WEB=Keresés a Weben
MENU_TRAY_EXIT=Kilépés

excuse-me!
I don't see the previous Hungarian languige file

p.s.:
I used this terminology because on some place can not e see all the lettesr in the starmenu, see the picture:
http://kepfeltoltes.hu/071104/image_www.kepfeltoltes.hu_.jpg
But nothing is perfect!

Can I have the code for PortableAppsMenu.ini? I deleted it because I thought it was from the old version.

This is the content of the ini file:

[SETTINGS]
LargeFonts=False
StayVisible=False
Theme=BlueSky
Locale=english-us.locale
DisableFade=False
LoadAppsFromDB=False
LoadWallpaper=True
OffsetX=0
OffsetY=-8
SnapToScreen=False
DisableDragging=False
SortType=0

The wallpaper on the thumb drive becomes default if the pc is turned off before the menu is.

Hi,
Love the portable Apps stuff, but the installer has an annoying habit of replacing me heavily modded autorun.inf. ISn't there a way when installing you can just do something like regex and not over write the entire thing, things like
other options, context menu items, and label. Thanks...

i am much awaiting the new beta to come out but im also wondering if there will be new applications that will also come out, along with the beta. any news about that?

I'd like two corrections and some changes to the Norwegian locale:
«Gjen-» in «Gjenopprett» needs only one n, but «Inn-» in «Innstillinger» needs two!

[FORM_MAIN]
ICON_DOCUMENTS=&Dokumenter
ICON_MUSIC=&Musikk
ICON_PICTURES=&Bilder
ICON_VIDEOS=&Video
ICON_EXPLORE=&Utforsk
ICON_BACKUP=Ba&ckup
ICON_OPTIONS=&Innstillinger
ICON_HELP=&Hjelp
ICON_SEARCH=S&øk
MENU_BACKUP=Ta backup
MENU_RESTORE=Gjenopprett
MENU_OPTIONS_SMALL_FONTS=Liten skrift
MENU_OPTIONS_LARGE_FONTS=Stor skrift
MENU_OPTIONS_ADD_APP=Installér
MENU_OPTIONS_REMOVE_APP=Fjern
MENU_OPTIONS_REFRESH_ICONS=Oppfrisk
MENU_OPTIONS_GET_APPS=Få flere programmer
MENU_OPTIONS_LANGUAGE=Språk
MENU_HELP_ABOUT=&Om
MENU_SEARCH_DRIVE=Søk på USB-enhet
MENU_SEARCH_COMPUTER=Søk på PC
MENU_SEARCH_WEB=Søk på nett
MENU_TRAY_EXIT=Avslutt

Vennlig hilsen
Sigurd Hasle

Hi, I changed a czech translation, some mistakes were there.
Here is it:

[FORM_MAIN]
ICON_DOCUMENTS=Dokumenty
ICON_MUSIC=Hudba
ICON_PICTURES=Obrázky
ICON_VIDEOS=Videa
ICON_EXPLORE=Průzkumník
ICON_BACKUP=Záloha
ICON_OPTIONS=Možnosti
ICON_HELP=Nápověda
ICON_SEARCH=Hledat
MENU_BACKUP=Zálohovat soubory
MENU_RESTORE=Obnovit ze zálohy
MENU_OPTIONS_SMALL_FONTS=Malé písmo
MENU_OPTIONS_LARGE_FONTS=Velké písmo
MENU_OPTIONS_ADD_APP=Přidat aplikaci
MENU_OPTIONS_REMOVE_APP=Odstranit aplikaci
MENU_OPTIONS_REFRESH_ICONS=Obnovit ikony
MENU_OPTIONS_GET_APPS=Získat další aplikace...
MENU_OPTIONS_LANGUAGE=Jazyk
MENU_HELP_ABOUT=O programu
MENU_SEARCH_DRIVE=Hledat na vyměnitelném disku
MENU_SEARCH_COMPUTER=Hledat v počítači
MENU_SEARCH_WEB=Hledat v internetu
MENU_TRAY_EXIT=Konec

La versión 1.1 Beta 4 funciona sin ningún problema, además de contar con atajos en el menú principal presionando las teclas con subrayado.
Se puede cambiar de idiomas fácilmente en el submenú de Opciones, soporta nuevos Temas e Iconos, e inclusive te da la posibilidad de incluir tu imagen en la parte superior derecha del menú PA.

Falta esperar a que salga el nuevo Instalador PA en otros idiomas.

The wallpaper swapper fails to swap the wallpaper when a JPEG is the current one. I have to hit "refresh" sevral times before I get the change detected.

hmmmmmm. its pretty cool, i like the personal picture thing and the dragability, however i miss the little thing where when it opened it would fade in and when it minimized it would fade out. oh where oh where has it gone?

hello,

what's news to beta 5 and more ?

thanks for work

patrick

I installed the 1.1 beta 4 and the next time I plugged in my drive, eTrust freaked out on the autorun.inf. I reverted to 1.0 and the problem went away.