There’s a standard array of programs used in the office. But you usually have to be there to use them. And that’s not fun. What if you want to type in the park? Can you check spreadsheets at a coffee shop?

Break free of your office! Take the necessary programs with you! Smash the chains that imprison you!

OK, that’s a little over the top. But you can fit everything on a thumb drive. Then, plug it into nearly any computer. You’ll have everything you need wherever you are. Plus, it’s all free.

Firefox Portable

Why would you need a portable browser? Every computer already has one. Well, there are some advantages. All of your bookmarks, add-ons and passwords go with you. Plus, your browser history stays on the thumb drive. This lets you browse privately. Except for the pigeons who are watching you. If you see a really big pigeon, it could be the boss. He’s wearing his Halloween pigeon suit and snooping on you!

Portable PDF readers

A huge number of businesses use the PDF format for sharing documents. You’ll need a PDF reader to work with them. Adobe Reader is a great program. But it’s pretty big. It’s tough to fit on a thumb drive. Sumatra and Foxit Reader are portable alternatives.