Fresh Windows build? Ninite streamlines app load

A fresh installation of Windows offers users a chance to get things clean and tidy from the beginning, but it also means a lot of work reinstalling applications you may have had on an older build.

If you've planned ahead, you can go out and download all the installers you think you'll need, then put them on a thumb drive or a disc. Or you can skip all that work and use Ninite (formerly Volery), a very simple tool for Windows that will go out and download all the latest versions of the software you pick from its directory, then combine all of those installers into one self-running .exe file.

The best part is that you don't have to touch a thing, as it installs each application. Every installer is already set with the least intrusive configuration, which means that it's installed to the application's default folder and comes without any superfluous add-ons, such as browser toolbars, companion software, or language packs. And when it's done running, you just delete Ninite's .exe file.

Ninite stacks up Windows application installs and runs them without requiring that you to pay attention to what each one is doing.

(Credit: CNET)

In my test run, I only had one problem with the installation, and it wasn't Ninite's fault--it was Windows'. I was letting Ninite do its thing, and Windows rebooted my computer to install its own updates. The nice thing is, you can relaunch the .exe file, if something goes wrong, and it will determine which programs it's already installed and skip both the download and the install. That's definitely something I'd feel safe sending to a tech-challenged friend or family member (note: most Web mail services won't let you send an .exe file. You can, however, use many online storage services like Box.net, Dropbox, and MobileMe to get it done)

Of course, one of the biggest drawbacks with Ninite's system is that you're limited to its selection of software picks. And if you're a control freak, you can't go in and make small tweaks to each installation while it's happening. Otherwise, it's an utterly fantastic way to get a quick start on a new machine, or offer up application recommendations to friends and family who just got a new machine with Windows 7 on it.

(via Download Squad)

[bensobel]

"In my test run, I only had one problem with the installation, and it wasn't Ninite's fault--it was Windows'. I was letting Ninite do its thing, and Windows rebooted my computer to install its own updates."

Why didn't you install all windows updates first before installing your own application? This seems like a user error.

[atomD21]

I have a feeling it was not user error. Windows has restarted itself many times on my HP laptop while it was in sleep mode... Windows will update in the background and most of the time prompt you about the restart, but not always.

[stewy79]

why would it behave this way? shouldn't the os be able to tell if an installer is running and delay the reboot until after it's complete?

[deniceels]

Mine always prompt me to restart, never had it restarted automatically on every single systems i have (about 5), so... that's not usual.

[MrZook]

Depends on your settings. I always turn auto-updates to download but don't install because I can't stand that 'You need to reboot' dialog box that pops up every 5 minutes while I'm busy.

[keano12]

Why would you even care? Is it because you want to point it out that maybe he was at fault? It's windows, live with it.

[JavanW3]

When reinstalling an OS, I always turn off the automatic updates and then manually run the windows updates several times until no more are found. That way I am in control of the automatic update process, and avoid installs for other apps. After this I also set windows updates to download only, then review updates before installing them.

This should avoid any problems using Ninite.

[Alanos Heero]

@stewy79
No, it hasn't ever delayed itself for me. One minute I could be doing something very important and the next my programs are closing one by one. If I try to turn of auto updates and then later manually update it will turn auto update back on.

[tektaktyks]

this is nice,should have more programs,like deamon ,some codec packs,why only utorrent?
btw microsoft updated themes and gadgets for 7,check it out.

[sshtdifferentday]

This is user error. Windows prompts you with a dialog box in the corner stating that is is going to restart in 10 min and you can delay it up to 4 hours. Close to the 10 min remaining it will remind you again.

If you don't tell it to delay restarting it will restart automatically, by design.

[Alanos Heero]

When I get notified, if I get notified, it always says in 1 minute. And even if it was 10 minutes I shouldn't have to sit at my computer when it is doing memory intensive tasks anyway.

[exactlyy]

actually thats was your fault..not windows .
you could simply setup the update process so that it checks for updates but to never download them befor asking you.. or to download automatically but not install till you want to ..
and tbh even if you enablke automatic download and install .. you'll get message telling you that windows needs to restart to finish the update process , you either click restart or postpond..
i dont know what's your problem exactly .

[X-sync]

I don't know what's your problem. I just love to see how fanboys of an OS would shut their doors to the fact that maybe the OS did messed up. Let's inform ourselves before judging this guy ok?

[exactlyy]

actually you are a fanboy .. admit it..
i was telling what i know and what everyone else know ..Windows doesnt restart automatically to install updates .
so if the computer "mentioned in this topic" restarted its not the OS fault.. either it is the prog "Ninite" or its the user have done something wrong .
i have never been a fanboy , this is the 1st time in my life i buy a copy of windows, insted of downloading it like i used to do.. microsoft got it right this time so they deserve the money .

[Alanos Heero]

Shows how much you know about windows. My vista always says "your computer will restart within [time]. It does give the option to postpone, but if you are doing something while you are waiting, then you will not see the warning. My old xp would warn you every 5 minutes or else it would restart in 1 minute.

[lazycat202]

nice

[music_happens]

So, does this installer differentiate between 32-bit and 64-bit installations of software? For instance, I need the 64-bit version of iTunes.

[tektaktyks]

you dont want itunes,you want to go home and rethink your life

[this1!]

agree with tekta

[shellcodes_coder]

so you want 7 to be bloated by installing that apple crap!!

[FirewaveZ]

Crap or not, its pretty much the only way to get sync Apple's Mp3 players.

[RSA13]

then buy a zune HD and use zune software...
zune software is much better than crappy itunes!

[rayzoredge]

Yes... tell the man to ignore the fact that MP3 players cost over $100 and to just "buy a Zune HD" because Apple has bloated iTunes software that sucks on the PC.

You might as well tell him to go buy a Mac to run iTunes.

Until I do enough research that dictates that the Zune HD is more powerful in terms of utility than the iPod Touch 2G, I'll stick to my only Apple product that, amazingly-enough, does as much as a computer can do.

Well, almost... I exaggerated that one quite a bit. =p

[rayzoredge]

Also, Media Monkey may be a viable alternative. Haven't used it myself, but you can sync your iPod as well as download media off of it.

iTunes would be a great piece of software if it didn't run so damn slow on a PC. I'm sure that was intended.

[Alanos Heero]

Ipods and Zunes aren't the only mp3 players out there. I bought a Sandisk mp3 player and it has been reliable for $37. I have had it for more than three years and of all the abuse it has been through, it is still kicking.

[arson73]

media monkey's ok but if you like the genius feature your out of luck. And the Zune HD is nowhere near as good as the 64 gig i pod touch the Zune and microsoft are not going to create any apps so that's a rip off if you ask me so I say i pod rules

[edchuy]

Nice idea this Ninite. Although it is missing some options such as Winamp and Limewire. Good to see that it has some open source options. Definitely would help with a clean Windows 7 installation.

How come many of these discussions turn out to be MS/Windows vs. Apple rather than comments related to the actual topic being discussed. Seems to be a waste of time, IMO!

[JavanW3]

ditto