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Question - OS X Apps

TheMonarch

TheMonarch

macrumors 65816
Original poster
May 6, 2005
1,467
1
Bay Area
Quick question.
Can I install applications on a USB drive, then go on another Mac, and run them from there?

More specifically, can I install an application I already have on my Mac HD again onto a USB drive?
 
Whoa, I didn't know that. You guys rock! :)

One more. What about licensed programs (i.e. Quicktime Pro). Say my friend didn't have Pro, but I did. Could I install it onto the drive, and plug into his Mac when ever I go over?


Thanks.
 
blaskillet4 said:
One more. What about licensed programs (i.e. Quicktime Pro). Say my friend didn't have Pro, but I did. Could I install it onto the drive, and plug into his Mac when ever I go over?
Click to expand...
Yes, but it would be illegal to put it on his computer without uninstalling it from your own...
 
psychofreak said:
Yes, but it would be illegal to put it on his computer without uninstalling it from your own...
Click to expand...

Well, I wouldn't leave it on his computer, I'd just be running it from my USB drive. Another example would be running apps from the USB drive, where installing software on computers is prohibited (School, work etc.)
 
blaskillet4 said:
Well, I wouldn't leave it on his computer, I'd just be running it from my USB drive. Another example would be running apps from the USB drive, where installing software on computers is prohibited (School, work etc.)
Click to expand...

That's fine :)
 
QuickTime Pro is a bit tricky, because it's part of the system and there's no installer for it.

Serialised apps typically store their licensing details in the Library folder rather than in the app itself, so they usually won't work if you run them on another computer. If you were to enter your serial number on the other computer then you would essentially be duplicating the licence, which is likely a terms of use violation.

Free apps, on the other hand, should have no problems :)
 
psychofreak said:
Yes, just copy it from the Applications folder :)
Click to expand...
you can do this all you want with most apps that want drag+drop installations, but all the preferences and caches and stuff will end up on all computers you run x program from your drive, not on the drive.

to the OP: you might want to look into portable apps for Mac OS X (a la U3 and PortableApps)... a good place to start is http://lifehacker.com/software/portable-applications/portable-apps-for-mac-os-x-207891.php
 
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