Rarely does one have to install a huge batch of programs onto a computer, but when one has to, it is a gigantic bore of a chore. Trying to get the blank slate (actually, it’s more like a dirty slate, but that’s a topic for a different time) of a new computer to a place where one has all the favored applications within a few clicks means searching the web for installers (or shudder rooting out CDs from dusty corners of the closet), downloading them all, and then running them one by one, clicking through screens that attempt to sneak a spyware-laden toolbar onto your computer and agreeing to sell your soul in exchange for using the software.

This is fairly inefficient, a problem just begging for automation. So the folks over at Ninite.com went out and actually made a service to make downloading/installing a bundle of programs really easy, and are offering it for free (they do have a paid service, but the free service is, as of March 2011, not crippled in any way). Specifically, the Ninite installer refuses to install the toolbars while installing the latest version of whatever programs you want (from a list) in a one-click install.

So how do you use it? If you haven’t already, head over to Ninite.com and you should see a screen like this:

Simply go through and check all the software that you would like to download.

After you are finished selecting, scroll to the bottom of the page and click giant green button labeled “Get Installer.” Can’t miss it.

Depending on what browser you have (Google Chrome is pictured below), you will be asked whether or not you would like to save this file. Save and run the installer.

Once you run the installer (by clicking on it once you have saved it, or running it directly after downloading it), a window will appear showing you the installation progress.

As soon as progress is complete, Ninite has completed its installation. Easy as pie, eh? Now, before you throw away that installer, you should know that running that same installer again will automatically update all the programs installed by Ninite, so instead of having to slowly click ‘yes, I want to update this program’ as you run each one, you can just update everything in one fell swoop.

Alright, we hope this was helpful, and thanks for reading!