Calibre portable?

Speaker · 09-02-2021, 09:13 PM

Main question
Is there any approved extracted or non exe packaged versions of calibre portable available? And if so can someone supply a link please.

Reason for asking
As it stands I feel the current "portable" versions kind of defeats it's purpose.
It's like calling either poison ivy or a pen chained to a desk portable.
All of them, since versions 0.84-0.8.69, use an exe installer even thought their FAQS claim it's supposed to be a zip:
If you still cannot get the installer to work and you are on Windows, you can use the calibre portable install, which does not need an installer (it is just a zip file) (https://manual.calibre-ebook.com/faq...is-not-working)

ownedbycats · 09-02-2021, 09:27 PM

The portable "installer" is more akin to a self-extracting exe. It's still all self-contained.

Speaker · 09-02-2021, 09:50 PM

Thanks for your answer. You might be right. I tried extracting it with what I usually extract those with and could not figure out how to make the resulting files work. Making me unsure if this is a case of PEBMAC or not. Will try to figure it out, but any advice is appreciated,

ownedbycats · 09-02-2021, 10:04 PM

Yes, I see that myself. Why not just run the installer and extract it to where you want? I do it all the time when testing for config issues.

Speaker · 09-02-2021, 10:24 PM

True, the resulting files from the install seems to be right and portable and the installer seem to be safe enough, still it makes my initial comparison about poison ivy or chained pen still valid as you have to use an installer (glove/breaking the chain) to make the resulting files portable.

kovidgoyal · 09-02-2021, 11:13 PM

It is a zip file, just a self extracting one. And I dont know what your problem with exe files is, but you are planning to install and run exe files. So not wanting to use an exe file to install exe files, is umm, illogical.

ownedbycats · 09-02-2021, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

It is a zip file, just a self extracting one.

When I open the portable exe in 7-Zip, I get some not very usable files:

Click image for larger version

Name: 2021-09-03 00_44_15-D__Downloads_Unsorted_calibre-portable-installer-5.26.0.exe_.png
Views: 127
Size: 23.2 KB
ID: 189078

The bulk of the data seems to be in .rsrc\EXTRA\EXTRA, which 7-Zip doesn't detect as archive.

kovidgoyal · 09-03-2021, 12:10 AM

Its not a 7zip self extracting file, it uses its own special more efficient compression, some variant of lzma IIRC. Which is stored in the res section of the exe file. see the unzip function in portable-installer.cpp

Speaker · 09-03-2021, 02:18 AM

Maybe its more about semantics, my personal preference of knowing what is inside an archive/compressed file, including most self extracting exe files. Something I am used to on other portable programs. Being unable to unpack this using any of my 5 tools including 7zip(capable to extrazt LZMA btw). For fun I also compressed the unpacked folder with 7zip and got it down about 9 more MB. Not that it matters too much. Managed to properly use your exe to install it correctly on most systems using VM. Still you got a point about about it not being the biggest deal in the world as the end product are exe files too. If you prefer having it in an exe go for it, just took me for a loop.

MicroDrie · 09-03-2021, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speaker

Maybe its more about semantics, my personal preference of knowing what is inside an archive/compressed file, including most self extracting exe files. Something I am used to on other portable programs. Being unable to unpack this using any of my 5 tools including 7zip(capable to extrazt LZMA btw). For fun I also compressed the unpacked folder with 7zip and got it down about 9 more MB. Not that it matters too much. Managed to properly use your exe to install it correctly on most systems using VM. Still you got a point about about it not being the biggest deal in the world as the end product are exe files too. If you prefer having it in an exe go for it, just took me for a loop.

There are people who install new programs without an antivirus program check, and there are people who don't trust others at all and compile (open-source) programs themselves and then install them. But a program named This-Is-Safe.exe doesn't say anything about whether the program contains malicious code. A customer-respecting software vendor or open source software doesn't want users to get into trouble at all. They realize that "trust comes on foot and goes on horseback." And yes, an installation solution is usually chosen that causes the least problems for most users. Packing is not an end in itself, but merely a means to achieve a specific goal. Achieving the highest compression with a technique that only a few people can use is the wrong means for a specific purpose.

You write about a VM installation, but then you can make a trial installation in an isolated VM so that you can see all installed files.

What do you specifically want to know?

theducks · 09-03-2021, 12:54 PM

Rule 1:Only download from the official Calibre site.
Rule 2: (optional) wait a few days before installing. Folk will really scream here (MR) if there are issues.

Being cautious is good when dealing with an unknown source.
Calibre has an outstanding track record (and AFAIK never any malicious code in the 10Y I have been using it).

JSWolf · 09-03-2021, 12:59 PM

But one thing to remember, the portable Calibre is only 32-bit and you could run out of memory depending on the size of your library and what you are doing. If you don't have a need for the portable version, install the 64-bit regular version as long as you are running a 64-bit OS.

ownedbycats · 09-03-2021, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But one thing to remember, the portable Calibre is only 32-bit and you could run out of memory depending on the size of your library and what you are doing. If you don't have a need for the portable version, install the 64-bit regular version as long as you are running a 64-bit OS.

Or get the 64-bit installer, extract the executables from the MSI, and overwrite the binaries in the portable folder.

09-02-2021, 09:13 PM	#1
Speaker Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2021 Device: none	Calibre portable? Main question Is there any approved extracted or non exe packaged versions of calibre portable available? And if so can someone supply a link please. Reason for asking As it stands I feel the current "portable" versions kind of defeats it's purpose. It's like calling either poison ivy or a pen chained to a desk portable. All of them, since versions 0.84-0.8.69, use an exe installer even thought their FAQS claim it's supposed to be a zip: If you still cannot get the installer to work and you are on Windows, you can use the calibre portable install, which does not need an installer (it is just a zip file) (https://manual.calibre-ebook.com/faq...is-not-working)

09-02-2021, 10:04 PM	#4
ownedbycats Custom User Title Posts: 10,975 Karma: 75337983 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra H2O, formerly Aura HD	Yes, I see that myself. Why not just run the installer and extract it to where you want? I do it all the time when testing for config issues. Last edited by ownedbycats; 09-02-2021 at 10:06 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Calibre Portable - Shouldn't PORTABLE Viewer and PORTABLE Editor open WITH the ebook?	Highlighter	Calibre	2	10-31-2020 05:48 AM
Calibre Portable with a portable python install, is it possible?	Vlash	Calibre	9	11-23-2019 10:24 PM
Calibre portable - is it portable?	apcrcom	Calibre	3	05-30-2017 03:54 AM
Calibre Portable and Assigned Letter to Portable Drive issue	nkle1128	Library Management	1	03-11-2017 04:11 PM
How do I import Calibre settings from regular Win Calibre to Calibre Portable?	ABW	Calibre	9	05-20-2013 02:34 PM

09-02-2021, 09:27 PM	#2
ownedbycats Custom User Title Posts: 10,975 Karma: 75337983 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra H2O, formerly Aura HD	The portable "installer" is more akin to a self-extracting exe. It's still all self-contained.

09-02-2021, 09:50 PM	#3
Speaker Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2021 Device: none	Thanks for your answer. You might be right. I tried extracting it with what I usually extract those with and could not figure out how to make the resulting files work. Making me unsure if this is a case of PEBMAC or not. Will try to figure it out, but any advice is appreciated,

09-02-2021, 10:24 PM	#5
Speaker Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2021 Device: none	True, the resulting files from the install seems to be right and portable and the installer seem to be safe enough, still it makes my initial comparison about poison ivy or chained pen still valid as you have to use an installer (glove/breaking the chain) to make the resulting files portable.

09-02-2021, 11:13 PM	#6
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 45,355 Karma: 27182818 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	It is a zip file, just a self extracting one. And I dont know what your problem with exe files is, but you are planning to install and run exe files. So not wanting to use an exe file to install exe files, is umm, illogical.

09-03-2021, 12:10 AM	#8
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 45,355 Karma: 27182818 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	Its not a 7zip self extracting file, it uses its own special more efficient compression, some variant of lzma IIRC. Which is stored in the res section of the exe file. see the unzip function in portable-installer.cpp

09-03-2021, 02:18 AM	#9
Speaker Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2021 Device: none	Maybe its more about semantics, my personal preference of knowing what is inside an archive/compressed file, including most self extracting exe files. Something I am used to on other portable programs. Being unable to unpack this using any of my 5 tools including 7zip(capable to extrazt LZMA btw). For fun I also compressed the unpacked folder with 7zip and got it down about 9 more MB. Not that it matters too much. Managed to properly use your exe to install it correctly on most systems using VM. Still you got a point about about it not being the biggest deal in the world as the end product are exe files too. If you prefer having it in an exe go for it, just took me for a loop.

09-03-2021, 12:54 PM	#11
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 31,062 Karma: 60358908 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	Rule 1:Only download from the official Calibre site. Rule 2: (optional) wait a few days before installing. Folk will really scream here (MR) if there are issues. Being cautious is good when dealing with an unknown source. Calibre has an outstanding track record (and AFAIK never any malicious code in the 10Y I have been using it).

09-03-2021, 12:59 PM	#12
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,758 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	But one thing to remember, the portable Calibre is only 32-bit and you could run out of memory depending on the size of your library and what you are doing. If you don't have a need for the portable version, install the 64-bit regular version as long as you are running a 64-bit OS.