I got done looking at the following thread: http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=156889 (It's the sticky "Tech support: The must-have software thread" by Krikkit) I was wondering what programs on that list (any? all?) could be run portably on a CD-ROM/USB Drive? My plan was to make a suit of software to compliment the UBCD (Ultimate Boot CD) that could be used on other computers when installing them on said machine isn't desirable. This dovetails into my next question: Is using free-ware such as those programs listed legal? Is it on a per-program basis, or does the GNU/Open-Source License always explicitly call foul of this? Obviously if I am starting up a service, I want everything to be legit. Even if you are not a lawyer, I'd still appreciate the advice. Which brings me to my last question. I had an idea of using nLite and vLite for a service that would take a customers copy of their OS (along with their Windows Key) and allow a custom build of their OS disc. (Basically like creating their own personal recovery disc.) It would allow them to have all their custom programs on their computer if their ever had to reinstall it for whatever reason. It would use THEIR Windows key so I don't think it is a foul on the Microsoft line, more like does nLite/vLite forbid such a service? If all of the above seems childish and silly, how would you suggest starting up such a service. I can provide even more suggestions, advice, and ideas if anyone wants to help me play ball with this whole thing. (I just didn't want to crit everyone with a wall of text in the first post.) Thanks in advance for any advice. Good day.
A lot of those apps either need to be installed (AVG, Avast) or run from a boot CD or USB drive (memtest.) It's still worth having a USB drive with copies of these programs on. If you want to run apps from the USB drive solely, try here: http://portableapps.com/ Open source software will have it's own licence which you will need to look at for each piece of software. Free, as in free beer should not be confused with free as in free speech. However, freeware generally can be used on any system (such as Firefox.) GNU has a definition here: http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html
although in danger of veering from your question it's a +1 for slaymate and ERD Commander. It's the leatherman in my cd case even when I used to randomly delete things in the registry. A little knowledge is dangerous!
If you're serious about this as a profession why not look at the Microsoft Diagnostic and Recovery Toolsets, available for both Vista (v6) and earlier Wins (v5). See here
