In a previous blog I gave instructions on how to install "Notes on a Stick". Well, forget that. We created a much easier way of doing it.
Just in case you didn’t read my previous blog post, let me back up and explain. Portable Notes is an installation of Lotus Notes on a USB flash drive. When plugged into a PC, you can start up your own copy of the Notes client. It can include your ID file and your workspace. The advantage of this compared to using the web iNotes is that you are accessing the client and you can open mail plus other databases.
To make it simple, we took all the files that get installed on the USB flash drive and stuffed them into a self extracting zip file and then put that file up on Softweb (under Email–Lotus Notes–Portable Notes). So, basically, after you download the zip file (Notes702-usb.exe), all you have to do is double click on the zip file and extract it to your USB flash drive. Follow the instructions on Softweb or read them here.
Once you install the files on your USB flash drive (and add your ID and Contacts — (Names)), you now have a working Notes client that you can take with you wherever you go. I already had reports of people taking it worldwide and not having any trouble. Not only can you access your mail database, but also any other Notes databases that you use.
Here’s an added bonus. If you plug your USB drive into a Linux system that has wine (a Windows emulator) installed you can run your Portable Notes on a Linux box! I am amazed!
Another strange thing happened. While testing this, I mistakenly unzipped the package to my SB Drive, the X drive share that all students have (coming soon for faculty and staff). I went to a computer in a SINC site and it worked while being executed off that share as well.
