This document compares and contrasts portable applications, virtual applications, and web desktops (webOS). Portable applications can be run from removable media but depend on the operating system. Virtual applications run in a web browser and are operating system independent but rely on an internet connection. Web desktops (webOS) provide a centralized desktop interface through a web browser but also rely on a constant internet connection.

1. quot;Portable applications
vs.
Virtual applicationsquot;
How to have got your documents
and applications available everywhere
(by David Comuñas, eqhes.info)

2. Introduction
Better infrastuctures
New work environments
Mobility

3. Conceptual evolution
Personal computer
Laptop
Pocket PC / UMPC
Web desktop (WebOS)

4. Types of mobile technologies
Portable applications.
Virtual applications.
Web desktops (WebOS).

5. Portable applications:
Introduction

6. Portable applications:
Advantages
They take up little space.
They don't need to be installed in the
computer that we use.
They don't leave any trace in the computer.

7. Portable applications:
Disadvantages
They depend on an operating system:
Windows, usually.

8. Portable applications:
Some examples
GIMP Portable (photograph and image
manipulation).
FileZilla Portable (FTP client).
Gaim Portable (chat).
Mozilla Firefox, Portable Edition (Web browser).
Mozilla Thunderbird, Portable Edition (email
application).
VLC Media Player Portable (multimedia player).
OpenOffice.org Portable (word processor, database,
vector graphics editor...).

9. Portable applications:
Interesting links
More portable applications in:
◦ http://www.framakey.org/Portables
◦ http://portableapps.com/apps
◦ http://software.u3.com
◦ http://www.linux.com/articles/52932
More information in:
◦ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_application

10. Virtual applications:
Introduction

11. Virtual applications:
Advantages
“Any physical space is required”.
They don't need to be installed in the
computer that we use.
They don't leave any trace in the computer.
Not operating System dependent.
Only a web browser is needed.

12. Virtual applications:
Disadvantages
They depend on the internet*
* This must not be a disadvantage.

13. Virtual applications:
Some examples
Splashup (http://www.splashup.com - image manipulator)
net2ftp (http://www.net2ftp.com - FTP client)
MSN Web Messenger (http://webmessenger.msn.com - chat)
MSN Hotmail (http://www.hotmail.com - email application)
Last.fm (http://www.last.fm - internet radio)
Zoho (http://www.zoho.com - word processor, database,
spreadsheets...)

14. Virtual applications:
Interesting links
More information about web applications:
◦ http://www.webware.com

15. Web desktops (WebOS):
Introduction

16. Web desktops (WebOS):
Advantages
(Virtual applications)
Centralized system.
Usability.
Time saving.

17. Web desktops (WebOS):
Disadvantages
They depend on the internet.
They depend on a specific environment.

18. Web desktops (WebOS):
Some examples
eyeOS (http://www.eyeos.org)
DesktopTwo (http://www.desktoptwo.com)

19. Web desktops (WebOS):
Interesting links
More information in:
◦ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebOS
◦ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_desktop

20. Conclusions
Applications
Not mobile Mobile
Portable Virtual
Traditional
(flash memory) (web)
(desktop)
Use those you need, not those are cool ;).