LIFE HACK: Hassle-free clean install with Ninite

No-one looks forward to a clean system install, but sometimes it’s the only way to get an old computer running smoothly again. There are ways you can make it a less painful procedure – and I’m not talking about a stiff drink and putting a pillow on the desk (although those things, admittedly, do work too). When it comes to reinstalling all those niggly bits of software no computer can live without, Ninite is a beast. The website is very simple and pretty self-explanatory. Just tick the programmes you want to add and the website will make a free installer which will run off to all the
sites gathering up all the bits you need, while you go off and do something more interesting… like watching paint dry. The installer is reusable on future occasions too as it will check everywhere for updates each time you run it. It’s like having an insanely proficient IT guy living inside your computer, and beats sitting there for hours clicking dialogue boxes yourself hands down. The list of software is quite comprehensive for the Windows version, and there is a slimmer collection for Linux users too. There’s an pro upgrade with a range of price options if software management is your business. For $10 you can also get the Ninite updater widget, which sits in your system tray and goes red if any of your essential software needs updating. This has to be the ultimate way of keeping on top of your computer system without even having to think about it