.EXE Program Version or the Zipped !?!?

[gonwk]

Hi folks,

I am sure you have seen that some Programs provide ".EXE" Installable version and also a ".ZIP" that can be operated from WITHIN the Folder.

For example here is what I mean ... "VLC Media Player" ... either you can install it using the .EXE file OR you can UnZip the files into a Folder called VLC-0.8.6 (VLC Version 0.8.6) ... and then you can run the program from within that Folder.

QUESTION: Which program is better to run? Install it on your laptop with .EXE? Or Operate it out of the Folder as a Portable Version?

My reason for asking this Q is ... I am assuming I would be BETTER off running a program in Portabelish mode rather install it on my laptop and have Registry and things changed.

But also, I am suspecting if some programs might not run as efficient if not installed as .exe.

So are my assumption correct? Or should I just go and install the program using .EXE?

Thanks,

G!

[jman98]

Theoretically they should be the same. .EXE is provided for convenience, I guess for people who might not have ZIP. .ZIP files are for more experienced users. The .EXE version of programs that have .ZIP equivalents usually is just the same thing with the EXE version doing the unzipping for you and installing it for you.

I think there is a portable version of VLC, but it's not necessarily the same thing as what you have. It sounds to me like you have the normal version of VLC. Anyway, like I said, there should not be any difference in VLC whichever one you choose to install (EXE or ZIP).

[Ai Haibara]

You might check sites like portableapps.com to see if they have a portable version of anything you want to install. There's indeed a 'portable' version there: http://portableapps.com/apps/music_video/vlc_portable

Otherwise, you'd probably want to get the EXE installer version of a program, unless you're really certain you can place everything where it needs to go. Note that unless they're 'portable' versions, the programs still might write to your registry, etc., anyway.

[gonwk]

... Note that unless they're 'portable' versions, the programs still might write to your registry, etc., anyway.

Hi folks,

THANKS Jman & Haibara for your responses!

I have a new laptop that it came with Vista Home Premium 64-bit (not my choice ... I would have rather have XP Pro .. may be even Vist 32-bit) ...

Anyways, I was thinking if some program give you the Option of .EXE (and I understand this is an Installer) and the option of FOLDER OPTION (usually comes in either in .zip or .7z and so ofrth) ... but when the Zipped folder is unzipped it unzips into a FOLDER that coantains all the Programs and Components needed to run that program in a Portabelish Mode ... since you will not see it in the Add/Remove folder.

Q1: My Question is that is that Portable Folder Version SAFER and BETTER than the .EXE version?

Q2: And which Format either of you guys prefer? And Why?

Thanks and sorry about prolonging this Q.

G!

[Ai Haibara]

The idea behind 'portable' apps/programs is, basically, that you can copy them to a USB flash drive and then be able to run them (from the flash drive) on another computer (such as at work or school, if they allow it, or a friend or relative's computer), without having to worry about the program writing to the registry or adding files (other than your document files, perhaps) to that computer. Other than that, the programs are the same - and as safe - as the 'normal' versions.

If you don't want the program to write to the registry, or add files anywhere, you can choose the portable versions. It also might be a good idea if you're just testing the programs, to see whether or not you actually want to use it.

However, keep in mind that not all 'portable' versions are created by the original program's author(s), so you can't always be sure if it's as safe as the 'normal' version. I haven't heard of any such problems with such modified versions, but it's still a good thing to keep in mind.

Also note that just because a program's author(s) have a non-installer or zipped/archived version of the program, that doesn't mean the zipped version is a 'portable' version.

[mpack]

I am sure you have seen that some Programs provide ".EXE" Installable version and also a ".ZIP" that can be operated from WITHIN the Folder.

I personally hate downloaded software that comes in .EXE form. The best way to get malware onto your PC is to download executable code of some kind and run it. So, I'm instinctively wary of stuff that didn't need to be executable.

[Nelson37]

You are confusing true Portable apps and packaging methods.

Most downloaded files can come as either EXE or ZIP. BOTH will decompress themselves, usually create a folder, and run an install process. This install process usually modifies registry settings, adds DLL files to Windows folders, and essentially changes your system in ways that you may want to avoid.

Not all programs make these changes, but the vast majority do. Just because the program appears to exits in a folder does NOT mean it has made no changes to the system.

Simple test. Take the "folder" created by the program, and pop in onto a USB or copy the folder to another PC, and see if it runs. Most will fail unless their setup process is launched. This has NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with how the folder is created, or how the program is packaged for download. It is ALL about how the program is fundamentally written to operate.

I do believe VLC is essentially portable as standard, but this is the uncommon exception. Most "portable" apps are modified versions of the standard app.

[gonwk]

Hi folks,

THAN YOU ALL for your inputs.

@ Nelson ...

Q1: So if I use your USB Thumb-drive test and the program runs A-Ok on another computer then that one does not need anything from Windows System32 or whatever folders? RIGHT?

Q2: If the above is TRUE ... then would YOU Suggest using this version OVER the Executable one?
(I think I understand the .EXE can also be used as an Exapnder ... but that is not my Q).

Q3: The only thing that I give up by using Programs in Format of FOLDER operated is that I will not have a Shortcut generated in Startup and also no Association will be amde? RIGHT!?!?

Thanks,

G!

[INFRATOM]

There 2 ways to install a program running an EXE usually setup exe or MSI which is dotnet (.NET) this is in windows. The exe or zip file you are saying my feeling is you are talking about zip and unzip. some people don't have an zip program to unzip and run the setup.exe so the exe file does not require the program, it unzips it automatically in a folder and starts up the setup.exe it saves you few steps. Before installing update your anti-virus regarding other stuff you can't beat the programers anything could install in the middle if it is a rootkit you will never see it, windows doesn't show it and the only (almost ) way is to reformat your HD and reinstall windows. Install COMODO firewall put everything on panic mode and see what happens you listen to your music ten program connect to internet ... open a picture or text acrobat helper or info connects to internet what are they doing? where do they connect to? what info they pass on? When programs look for update all your system info including your software and profile is passed on .. it is for update of course!!!

[Nelson37]

If the program file runs OK after simply being copied to another PC and not installed, then YES it doesn't need anything else.

If the above is true, then there is no choice or question, it is what it is. No difference.

It does not matter if a program is installed from a CD, a floppy, a DVD, an EXE extracting package, or a zip. Note that the EXE "package" creates MORE "EXE" files when compressed, sometimes just one file, usually multiple files, sometimes more than one EXE. However the original, downloaded EXE is just a program to decompress the contents, the extracted EXE, the main one if more than one, is now the target program, the goal of the operation.

If this final program runs in a self-contained fashion, it can be simply copied to another PC and is essentially "portable". If the program is indeed portable, then it is exactly the same whether you copy the extracted program or copy the compressed file (ZIP or EXE, no difference) and decompress or "install" it again.

Again, I believe you are confusing the packaging (compression) method with the program itself. Think of the downloaded package like condensed soup, you have to expand it before use. How that happens does not matter.
Whether or not it needs more ingredients after expansion does matter.

[gonwk]

Hi folks,

My last post here ... just wanted to post back and THANK each of YOU for taking the time to respond!

Have a Great Day!

G!