The challenges of being a network administrator could be quite daunting especially if access to funds/tools is limited. To a large extent if you can afford to buy the right software, it could make your life a whole lot easier, rather than having to cut corners. One example is anti virus - An absolute must if you intend to use a computer and share files. One of the fastest ways of spreading viruses now is via thumb/flash drives. We all have and use them.
The network i manage is quite secure, i have a Linux gateway configured with clamav, spam assassin, squid, snort and iptables at the perimeter of my network, inspecting every single packet that comes in and goes out of my network. I have a symantec anti virus gateway server running on my mail server with clients running on all workstations. I have a dozen or so apple computers as well , even though viruses can't harm these machines, copying files from an infected mac to a pc will definitely infect a pc.
Laptops have also gotten so cheap now that all my users have at least one. They bring these laptops to the office, these laptops usually run virus scanners with outdated virus definitions. They copy files from their laptops to the office computers and vice versa, from the apple computers to their laptops, all with flash drives. A vicious virus cycle begins, viruses begin to pop up everywhere, the network begins to slow down, users begin to scream - the IT guy is not doing his job.
Company policy states that users can't connect their personal laptops to the company network, so you can't update their anti virus scanners.
So what is the way out, you might ask?
What if i told you, you could install an anti virus (fully updated) on your thumb/flash drive?

What if i told you that not only could you install a fully functional anti virus on your flash drive, but that you could also install a full office suite, media player, web browser, photo editor, ftp, client, apache,pdf reader, im client on the same removable storage drive and move them around with you, in your pocket.

Enter PortableApps
Now you can carry your favorite computer programs along with all of your bookmarks, settings, email and more with you. Use them on any Windows computer. All without leaving any personal data behind.
PortableApps provides a truly open platform that works with any hardware you like (USB flash drive, iPod, portable hard drive, etc). It's open source built around an open format that any hardware vendor or software developer can use
The Portable Apps Suite™ is free. It contains no spyware. There are no advertisements. It isn't a limited or trial version. There is no additional hardware or software to buy. You don't even have to give out your email address. It's 100% free to use, free to copy and free to share.
For more information on this super cool tool please visit www.portableapps.com - it's free