Eager to install your shiny new release copy of Windows 7, but dreading the endless downloading, clicking and restarting involved in restoring essential applications? A site called Ninite makes it easy for you, and better yet, it’s free.

Just go to Ninite.com and select the applications you need from their vast array of essential freeware on offer. Need Chrome, WinRAR, Skype, Picasa, Gimp, .NET, CCleaner and PuTTY (to name just a few of my favorites)? Well of course you do! Wouldn’t it be nice if you could install them all in one fell swoop?

Make your selections and Ninite generates a single convenient hands-free install file. Just run the single downloaded file on the upgraded machine and your choices all install while you get more coffee, no muss no fuss. Ninite also refuses such bloatware as toolbars and other add-ons included in some installations. However, make sure that the upgraded computer is connected to the internet before starting the installation.

I used Ninite today when upgraded to Windows 7 and have nothing but praise for it, it really saved me a lot of time and hassle. Ninite install packages work on XP and Vista as well as 7, and come highly recommended.