There’s no doubt about it: tracking down the installer for each program after resetting a computer is a tedious task. Fortunately, we can find tools on the Web whose main purpose is to download software and keep it updated, without cluttering the system with digital junk. Today we came across three of these tools that definitely deserve your time if you have a maintenance session planned.
Keeping the computer in good shape remains the user’s responsibility. Recent versions of operating systems have incorporated different mechanisms to back up and restore content, as well as return its configuration to the “factory” values, so to speak. However, these mechanisms are not infallible, and sooner rather than later the user will find themselves once again facing the challenge of purging the hard drive and reinstalling software. Now, the problem is not only installing packages, but also keeping them updated. Many programs (such as web browsers) have built-in update systems, but others simply warn about a new version and send the user to the official site. What can we use to reduce that work? Here we offer you three options.
1) Ninite
The tool at the top of the list remains Ninite. We first talked about it in 2009, and since then it has not lost a single ounce of functionality. All the main programs the average user needs are on Ninite’s radar, and to download them, you just have to click each checkbox. This will generate a dedicated installer (the .exe is clean, no need to worry) that will download and run each executable. The best part? Ninite’s installers avoid all toolbars and extra offers.
2) Npackd
At first glance, Npackd is less intuitive than Ninite, but that doesn’t make it less powerful. Its latest version can install and update over 700 applications, including several games, open source programs, codec packs, and development tools. The most positive aspect of Npackd is probably its portable profile. A simple extraction of its zip file and a double click on its executable will get any user going, even from the comfort of a USB stick.
3) Allmyapps
Our last entry is Allmyapps, which generally behaves more like a virtual store than an updater. Even so, it offers a large amount of software divided into several categories, from entertainment and games to security and communications. The only detail we found during our tests is that Allmyapps does not detect applications installed under XP, but this does not seem to repeat on other operating systems.
Needless to say, if you’ve come across other alternatives that you use often and want to make a suggestion, the comments are open.
