Previously, I’ve reviewed a number of applications which will allow you to selectively install a compilation of freeware applications, including – Ninite, and ZeuAPP. There are slight difference between these two applications, but the overall objective of each application is the same; to save the user time.
LiberKey (which I’ve also reviewed previously – version 4.1), is a compilation of freeware, and open source portable applications, which is offered in three flavors that can be installed on, and run from, a USB drive. Additionally, the application can just as easily be installed, and run, from a Hard Drive. In fact, for this updated test and review, that’s exactly what I choose to do.
Available applications cover a huge area of interest including Audio, Video, Graphics, Internet, Games, Security, Education, System, and more.
LiberKey Basic 5: 12 Applications, Installed size: 141.58 MB
LiberKey Standard 5: 89 Applications, Installed size: 535.54 MB
LiberKey Ultimate 5: 164 Applications, Installed size: 701.47 MB
As an bonus, more applications can be added at a later date using LiberKey’s catalogue. Additionally, you have an option of building your own LiberKey platform.
There have been major changes since I first reviewed LiberKey. This time out, on launching the application, you will find that you are presented with a blank LiberKey menu applet.
You will then have the opportunity to select the most appropriate suite for your needs. Checkout the developer’s site to view a listing of included applications.
I choose the Ultimate edition adding (164 applications), which took approximately 40 minutes to download and install (in a single seamless process), to my Hard Drive. Lots of time – but lots of applications!
Following installation, you’ll notice that the Menu has been populated.
Fast facts:
Free.
Ready to use.
Portable applications.
Automatic online updates.
You can synchronize the display of the online catalog with your LiberKey.
This can help you to locate applications that could interest you.
The portable application launcher is user friendly, and no learning curve is involved, as the following screen capture indicates. In this example, simply clicking on HD Tune, launched HD Tune – Hard Disk Utility.
With so many applications to choose from, finding the right tool for the job could be a bit of a hassle. But the developers have anticipated this, and provided a pop out description of each application – making it easy to put your finger on just the right tool.
System requirements: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Win 7
Download at: LiberKey.com
If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.
Bill Mullins' Weblog - Tech Thoughts 
Hi, Bill —
Since all of the applications are installed automatically, I assume that they are installed into C:\ProgramFiles. And, since all are portable, I also assume that I can move them to another drive with no problem. {I like to keep all of my applications on a separate drive.}
Other than not being able to use the LiberKey menu, do you see any problems in doing this? Or maybe LiberKey allows one to chose the installation’s drive and directory?
LiberKay’s site did not mention any of this.
—Thanks!
Hey Hipockets,
Very good question. Since the suite is designed to be installed directly to a Flash Drive, the developers haven’t provided any alternative drive/directory alternatives. But. that’s of little consequence really.
All the apps are installed to C:/LiberKey (assuming one is installing to a HD instead of directly to a Flash Drive), which makes it very easy to move or copy to an alternate drive, as you suggest. The LiberKey menu comes along nicely as well. In fact, I did just that – moving the suite to a “tools” partition.
Best,
Bill
I have been using Liberkey for some time now and i really like this bundle.. Not only it installs everything easily, it also keeps your installed programs up to date 🙂
Hey Kypros,
You’re right – it’s a terrific application. The auto update feature is a real bonus.
Bill