I've done some searching, and as usual I've found bits and snatches on this subject, but in most other places it has been discussion of why autorun doesn't work.
What I'd like to see is a discussion of how to enable novice users to be able to launch PA comfortably on machines that don't have autorun enabled. For example, the "windows-start" key plus E opens "my computer" in explorer, a couple of clicks opens the PA drive and starts PA. That's what I'd do, but that's probably not something that newcomers would find comfortable ... or is it?
The other thing is to let people know (or help them expect) that those concerned with the security of their computers/data/lives will have disabled autorun (in group policy or other ways). This is simply because too many nasty programs like to install themselves from any CD or USB drive you insert, and make copies onto other drives. In fact, I'd like to see people more concerned for their own security after using PA for a while, or at least be better educated to the issues.
In other words I'd like to see PortableApps documentation set up so "autorun disabled" is the default expectation. If it is enabled, fine, that makes it easier, if less secure; but if it isn't, people shouldn't be caught short or have trouble figuring out how to get it working. Yes, the instructions say (almost in passing) To start up the PortableApps Menu, just double-click StartPortableApps.exe in the root of your portable drive. But I have a rather low expectation of how many people understand the verb "double-click" or the noun "root" in this context, let alone how to do those things to the little USB thing in their pocket. (You mean you have to plug it in before you do those things?) Note however that I don't necessarily have something I consider a better answer, even after walking my wife through that and similar tasks many times ... She's actually getting better, and knows enough to plug in her "cigarette lighter" (what she calls a USB flash drive) before trying to do things or calling me.
Maybe this is taken care of in the next release? If not, what thoughts do people have? I suppose that includes a suggestion that rab040ma go away and mind his own business...