Hello,
You can use either the 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Pale Moon Portable. Still, I would recommend using the 32-bit version for the following reasons:
– it takes a bit less space on the USB key (minor detail, I know);
– it will work on a 32-bit system (useful if you have to use one) and on a 64-bit system;
– there are a few plugins that are 32-bit specific (not likely your bank use them anyways).
Now, if you truly must use the USB key on very old machines, you might be better with Pale Moon for Atom (no experience with it) or Firefox. Pale Moon 32 bit will work on Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, all in 32-bit or 64-bit versions.
A couple of warnings: A browser on an USB key is much slower than on a hard disk and USB keys are not totally fool proof.
So is it the best solution for your situation? Safety wise, it depends who accesses your computer vs who would access your USB key.
If you do your banking mostly from a single computer and never thought of going this route beforehand, I would suggest you first look at other solutions in your regular browser.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Use a cookie-managing extension such as
Advanced Cookie Manager or
Cookie Controller. With either one or another similar extension, you register the cookies to the domain "mybank.com" as "do not delete". This tells Pale Moon to delete daily all cookies except those related to your bank (and a few other critical places if you are inclined to do so). This allows you to stay logged in and keep your preferences for your favourites pages, yet throws a wrench is all cookies that try to follow you. (Note. I do not use any of these extensions, so I don't have hands on experience with them).
2. Use your regular version of Pale Moon to access your bank. That way, you'll register your computer once.
3. If you have a relatively open computer and many people can use your browser, add a master password. This way, the first time you open a Pale Moon session and Pale Moon needs to access a cookie/password/some other personal information, it will ask you the master password.
"REGISTER A COMPUTER" ?
I don't know exactly what they mean, as it means different things for different institutions. For example, at my bank, when I first got electronic access, they gave me a card, a password, and a series of personal questions to answer. I had to use 5 out of a list of 20. The first time I use a given computer, I have to give my card number and my password, and to answer two of these questions. Then a special cookie means that my computer will be registered with them and I won't need to answer those two questions again.
My bank also seems to use the MAC address of my computer (i.e. its "serial number") because if I use Pale Moon Portable, I'm of as long as I use it from home. But then, if I use the same Pale moon Portable from a second computer I own, I have to answer two questions.
