Default Programs

When I install a new operating system, there is usually a set of default programs I want to install. Since I do this fairly frequently, (this may not be such a problem for many people!) it's nice when a distribution comes with most of the software I want so I don't have to go through a lot of installations. This is most noticeable on Windows, but many Linux distros come with a minimum of software too.

Enter Ninite!

What this website does is provide a single installation file to install multiple programs. You just select the programs you want, download the file, and install once!

Also, one of the really annoying aspects of some software installers is that they try to to install lots of junk software by default. (ASK toolbar for example) This website not only runs the installer automatically, it says no to the surplus extras!

It also detects whether the OS is 32 or 64 bit, and installs the right program version.

Want to update all the programs? Just run the file again! No matter when you made the installation file, all the programs will be up to date when they are installed.

Here are most of the Windows programs I like to install: (hyperlink)

Here's a file with most of the Linux programs I generally install (hyperlink)

If I remember I'll make a full list at some point.

Strandbeast

An impressive bit of mechanical engineering.