Win8 Tablet--Is It a "PC"?
I'm considering a "carputer" for navigation, etc. I currently use a notebook PC running my map programs. If I get a tablet (my first) it will be to run my existing Windows programs, NOT new apps. A...
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There are quite a few tablets out there that run the full Windows 8, just make sure you don't get one that is designed for Windows 8 RT since that version will NOT run your old Windows software.
Having your data on an external USB drive is fine but as far as running programs from that drive, that's a little tricky. Some programs can do it while others can't. The ones that can are referred to as "portable". Programs that aren't portable need to be installed on the computer itself. You can do a custom install and put the bulk of the program on an external drive but certain files need to be installed in the system folders and entries need to be made in the Windows registry.
Here's a link to a site that lists many portable apps: portableapps.com
Having your data on an external USB drive is fine but as far as running programs from that drive, that's a little tricky. Some programs can do it while others can't. The ones that can are referred to as "portable". Programs that aren't portable need to be installed on the computer itself. You can do a custom install and put the bulk of the program on an external drive but certain files need to be installed in the system folders and entries need to be made in the Windows registry.
Here's a link to a site that lists many portable apps: portableapps.com
