If you have utilized a flash drive before, you know it is possible to use it as portable computer without thinking about it that way. Since most flash drives can know install smaller versions of programs you use every day, this is an easy way to turn anybody's computer into your own. By installing those programs, you can launch them from your flash drive and begin doing things you would normally do on your own computer away from home. 

The first step is to ensure the flash drive you have purchased allows you to install programs. This can be down via the flash drive software itself, such as with SanDisk flash drives, and if not, you may want to find out if you launch EXE-based programs from it. In some cases, however, the latter will not launch on another computer depending on the settings of the computer you have plugged the flash drive into. It is easier to go with a flash drive that allows for installations and using programs this way.

Once you have purchased the flash drive, you can go through a program list to download the flash drive version of the program. Anything from OpenOffice to instant messengers can be downloaded and used. In some cases, you may have to purchase the rights to use the software. However, there are free alternatives to the more name brand software programs out there. So, you can always find something that will work in a way to allow you to use the flash drive as a means of having your computer with you no matter where you go.

Using a flash drive as a portable computer is an excellent way to ensure you can open, edit and use the documents and files you need while on the go. If you are worried that you will not be able to get into your flash drive the way you want to, it may be time to look for a new option. Flash drives can do much more than just transfer files to and fro, they can act as a portable computer if you take the time to set it up that way.