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Windows users can run software from a USB flash drive by installing a "Platform" from PortableApps.com where they can search for and install apps. You can't install major apps like Photoshop or Microsoft Office on a USB drive, but PortableApps does have an open-source equivalent to many of those apps. Mac users can search and directly install apps to a USB drive via Source Forge. You may wish to run software directly from a USB flash drive to save space on your hard drive or avoid leaving a trace of your software on your computer.