If you have been following the blog you might be aware that I undertook a clean install of Windows 7 on a laptop. Of course, there’s a process to go through in order to backup existing data, reinstall Windows and then copy back the required data from the backup. However, some of that data is useless without the corresponding applications to read them and often that can take a lot of time too.

You can save quite a bit of time using a neat service called Ninite. Ninite has a wide selection of software including web browsers, utilities, document handlers, media players, instant messengers and developer tools from which to choose.

It’s a cinch to use, simply tick the boxes for the software that you want to install and click the “Get Installer” button down the bottom of the page. You’ll then be prompted to download an installer file which you should save to your computer and then execute. The installer will then start downloading and installing all of the applications you have chosen without bugging you.

Depending on how much software you have selected and your download speeds you can free yourself up from being stuck in front of the computer for a good length of time. It might not cover everything (such as the full version of Microsoft Office or popular Adobe content creation software) but it will get you a fair way toward getting all your required software back on to the computer.

Ninite is free for home use and is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.