Do you setup the PCs at your home network? Or are you the type who occasionally enjoys reformatting then reinstalling stuff to get that “just purchased” feeling on your old laptop? If that’s you, then you know what a hassle grabbing applications from all over the web or your installer discs can be. Sometimes you forget that you need software- then have to install it later on. Worse, sometimes you install apps you never even need. These gunk up the hard disc and add to more clutter that you wanted to avoid in the first place.
But don’t fear. Now, there’s software for folks like you. Dubbed “Auto Installers”, these front ends present a list of the most commonly used utilities and applications in one user interface. All you have to do is tick a box and click install! Within seconds, the software grabs relevant installers from various web repositories. Now that’s convenient. Ready to start?I have two for you:
Ninite
Whether it’s web browsing, media or even messaging, Ninite offers a good list of popular picks. Simply point on the apps that you want running and when you’re done, Ninite crafts up a customized executable that downloads and installs these apps for you. Be warned. Each app launches with default settings to its default location–a boon for lazy people who dump all their favorite applications into god knows where. But for the obsessive analists, the lack of customization leave a lot to be desired.
Download it here!
Google Pack
Now here’s one interface I plan to humor. Almost everything recommended by this front end is something I actually use- like Chrome! Without a doubt, i’d tick off all boxes.
Now only if they included access to that new google Wave.
Download it here!
