Self contained apps are mostly good but there are some limitations. I've created a list of good and not so good points that I have seen with various self contained apps such as browsers and utilities.
Good:[list=1][*]Self contained apps take much less time to install (as a matter of fact they take no time at all).[*]Typically these apps consume less memory, as they generally don't need to call the OS for management/processing tasks.[*]In a more developed state, all self contained apps would run like java applets. Self contained, OS independent, and only require that your comp has the proper programming language translator.[*]Also as said before: uninstall is a cinch, just delete the directory folder and forget about it.[/list=1]
Not so Good:[list=1][*]Install/uninstall processes make programs more idiot proof. One click handles it all. I have no problems finding the right directory but not every person is so sure.[*]By installing itself a program can tell the OS how to handle certain elements within itself. Often the OS rules out and causes the program to crash but the theory is right.[*]Also as stated before: linux is a better environment for these such apps. The ever dominant Windows platform sometimes has problems with them (not generally with small apps but with larger, multi-purpose ones). [/list=1]
Personally I favor the idea of self-contained apps. I picture being a network admin or repair technician and having the ability to store hundreds of self contained utilities and programs on a USB drive that could easily be carried around. No more installing apps all over the place, get in get out as they say.
One issue does come up here. Software companies make a lot of money by forcing their customers to buy multiple licenses for the same program to run on multiple machines. I doubt they look foward to the idea that they would lose this income. But there's always open source
