We don’t particularly like desktop software around here — sort of a company policy — and neither do most average users, based on our experience. Still, the desktop isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and we still have need for plenty of desktop software.

Software that needs to be install, configured, and updated routinely.

Ugh.

Fortunately I came across a wonderful tool the other day that will take the pain out of installing and updating for the most common applications. It’s called Ninite, and it’s a simple concept: visit their site, check boxes for each program you want to install/update, click the Get Installer button to download a single program that will install everything you selected.

With the applications provided, you can take a new or freshly reformatted system to full tilt in no time. Not sure what you need? Here’s my recommendations to get started.

• Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox
• Pidgin
• Skype
• iTunes
• Hulu
• Foxit Reader or Adobe Reader
• Microsoft Essentials or AVG
• Flash
• .NET
• Dropbox
• CCleaner
• 7-zip
• Defraggler

Visit Ninite now