If you’re like most people, you probably have a few programs and files stored on your computer that you need to keep handy. But if you’re like me, you also have a few programs and files stored on your flash drive that you need to keep handy too. That’s where Lupo PenSuite comes in. Lupo PenSuite is a portable software program that lets you store your favorite programs and files on your flash drive in the same way that you store them on your computer. You can even use Lupo PenSuite to keep track of important documents like driver’s licenses and passports. So how do you get started? First, download the program and install it on your computer. Then open up Lupo PenSuite and click on the “Create New Folder” button. In the “New Folder” dialog, name the new folder “Lupo.” Now click on the “Create Folder” button again and enter a name for the new folder that corresponds to what you plan to use it for. For example, if you plan to use Lupo PenSuite to store driver’s licenses and passports, enter “LupoDriverLists.” Now open up any of your favorite programs or files and drag them into the new LupoPenSuite folder. When they’re ready, click on the “Open” button in Lupo PenSuite and they’ll be automatically opened in their original applications or files folders. That’s it! You’ve now added portable software programs and files to your storage solution - just by dragging them into a new folder!

Note: If running the full version you will need a 512 MB USB flash drive or larger.

Using Lupo PenSuite

The one window to watch for during the setup process is where you have the opportunity to add a specific language pack if needed. Outside of that all that you need to do is sit back and wait for the suite to be extracted.

Note: Extraction times will vary based on version and extraction location.

We extracted the suite to our flash drive.

Once the setup process is complete locate and double click the Lupo_PenSuite.exe file. This one time window will present you the opportunity to start using the suite immediately, or go directly into the options.

When the suite is active you will have a new system tray icon that operates as a start menu button. At the bottom you can monitor the remaining room on your flash drive, and use the close button to exit the suite (may display as a power button based on menu theme).

A quick look at the set up inside the suite.

There is a pre-configured area for organizing and storing your personal files.

Prefer a classic style menu? Just select for it in the options (various tab) and enjoy a smaller streamlined look.

Note: You can also change the theme for the regular menu and add a user pic.

The suite provides access to your portable software and online sites. You get to enjoy the best of both as shown in the following examples.

Websites will open using the suite’s portable Firefox install.

VLC is ready to play your downloaded videos.

The suite also has some very nice photo editing programs added in.

Installing Additional Apps

If one of your favorite programs is not included in the version you chose then it only takes a few minutes to add it in. Go to the Additional Apps webpage, download the app(s), and extract them onto your hard-drive.

Note: Link for additional apps webpage provided below.

Add the extracted app(s) to the MyApps folder in the suite’s folder hierarchy.

Click on ASuite in the suite’s start menu.

Drag and drop the portable app’s exe file into the MyApps section in the ASuite window.

Your new software’s shortcut should display as shown here. Close this window when finished.

Checking the suite’s start menu will show your new software ready to be used.

Conclusion

If you need a good portable software collection to carry with you on a flash drive then Lupo PenSuite is definitely worth taking a look at. We tested Lupo PenSuite on XP, Vista, and Windows 7 and it works great on all three.

Another popular choice is PortableApps. They are essentially the same thing…just packaged differently.

Links

Download Lupo PenSuite (Full, Lite, & Zero versions) *Download links approximately one-third down the page.

Download Additional Apps for Lupo PenSuite

Download Additional Skins for Lupo PenSuite Start Menu

View Video Tutorials *Has tutorial for easy updating of entire suite.