Easily Install Multiple Applications

Setting up a new machine? Or, and this is probably more likely for many of my readers, did you just finish reloading a friend or relative’s Windows machine and now you need to get some applications on it? In the Windows world this isn’t quite as easy as it is in the Linux world, but there are some options out there to be aware of: Google Pack, Ninite and Allmyapps.

Google Pack has been around for a few years – in fact, I first mentioned it 4 years ago. Still listed as beta too… Most of the available apps are Google’s own, but they add in a few that are typically found on machines like Skype, Firefox, Adobe Reader, etc. They also offer a Spyware/AV application but I have to confess that I’ve never heard of it nor tried it.

Summarized: Limited selection, easy to use. All “name brand” stuff – Adobe Reader, not Foxit as one example.

Ninite is an alternative to Google Pack that I learned about just a few months ago. I don’t know how long they’ve been around. One big plus to Ninite is that it offers a lot more packages than Google Pack. They have about a dozen categories (browsers, Media, Image Editing, Security, etc) and each category will often include open source alternatives to the free-yet-commercial offerings. For instance, you can get Adobe Reader or Foxit Reader or CutePDF. I like having choices.

I haven’t used Ninite in a “live” situation, but some initial trials make me think this is the easiest one to use. Select your apps and you’ll get a custom-built installer to download. They claim to do the installs automatically with default settings and say “no” to toolbars “and other junk.” That being said, I should also mention that I’ve heard an [unconfirmed] rumor that Ninite isn’t always current with the applications offered.

Allmyapps is the final option that I’ve looked at. Of the three I think this one has the most variety – not only are there dozens of categories but they also support Linux, not just Windows. They also offer the ability to create an account which will enable you to save your selections for multiple downloads.

Downside? You have to download their installer app before you can install your selected apps. Not the end of the world I suppose, but that installer app relies on the .NET framework which can be quite a surprise when you think you’re just going to do a quick set up…

Of the three, I like Ninite the best for ease of use and the ability to quickly grab a package full of apps. I like Allmyapps since it’ll keep track of my normally selected apps – I just don’t love that .NET requirement. Both also offer Microsoft Security Essentials which is my current AV of choice.

Which do you use – or are there other applications that play in this space?

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