So all of us have Windows boxes in our shops that need to be installed, have some apps dropped on them and managed, even if we don’t really want them. That install process, has gotten easier over time with templates and what not, however, you still need to build that golden image, etc. Well, for that, there is Ninite.com
Ninite.com
Click the link above and you’ll be presented with a plethora of commonly installed software for Windows boxes. Much like this:
Well, what’s the big deal about that? Well, first it’s all in one place. Second, after you’ve made your selections you download an installer that drops all the packages onto your box silently… That is, there is no “Next, Next, Next, Finish”. Also, if it detects a package that you may have already installed, it will either update it, or ignore it if it’s already current.
Finally, there is a pretty good opportunity here to integrate this tool into your automation efforts. (Hint: Blog post coming).
Security & Other Concerns
Updating based on the comments on this post:
There were some concerns around “does it install the toolbars” and security of the apps. Ninite covers this here: http://ninite.com/help/how-ninite-works/
Specifically:
Ninite tries to behave exactly like a technical friend you’ve asked to install a few apps for you. This means that Ninite installers, regardless of when or where they were created:
Say “No” to toolbars or other junk
Always install the latest version of an app
Install the right 32-bit or 64-bit version for a PC
Install apps in the PC’s language
Skip apps that are already up-to-date
Upgrade an app if it’s out of date
And regarding security:
“Downloads come from the publishers’ sites and are checked for correct digital signatures or matching SHA-1 hashes before Ninite uses them.”
So, while that may not work in all environments, it more or less covers the basics (checking the binary, pulling from the source, killing toolbars, etc. As always, drop a comment if you have a concern or question. Also note: I’m not affiliated with Ninite, just found it extremely useful.
Nice for your personal rig, but totally scary for production systems. Lets hope all the malware/crapbars are not also included in those pre-packaged distros.
Nice concept, but I’d have to go w/ @twitter-189213655:disqus on this.
And to take it further, I wouldn’t even use it on personal systems in the first place unless I can use apps that I can verify their security.
I cannot sacrifice security for expediency. I can’t.
So, I’ll drop this here:
http://ninite.com/help/how-ninite-works/
Specifically:
Ninite tries to behave exactly like a technical friend you’ve asked to install a few apps for you. This means that Ninite installers, regardless of when or where they were created:
Say “No” to toolbars or other junk
Always install the latest version of an app
Install the right 32-bit or 64-bit version for a PC
Install apps in the PC’s language
Skip apps that are already up-to-date
Upgrade an app if it’s out of date
Also this:
“Downloads come from the publishers’ sites and are checked for correct digital signatures or matching SHA-1 hashes before Ninite uses them.”
I have had issue where it does add fluff, and it also usually adds an Icon to the desktop…which I normally don’t like. However I hear the pro version allows you to do switches and stuff…
So, I’ll drop this here:
http://ninite.com/help/how-nin…
Specifically:
Ninite tries to behave exactly like a technical friend you’ve asked to install a few apps for you. This means that Ninite installers, regardless of when or where they were created:
Say “No” to toolbars or other junk
Always install the latest version of an app
Install the right 32-bit or 64-bit version for a PC
Install apps in the PC’s language
Skip apps that are already up-to-date
Upgrade an app if it’s out of date
Also this:
“Downloads come from the publishers’ sites and are checked for correct digital signatures or matching SHA-1 hashes before Ninite uses them.”
Also updated the post accordingly.
Sounds good.
However, does it allow me to use my own payloads?
And can I use it locally, i.e., w/o contacting Ninite mother ship?
My concerns still remain
I believe those features are available in the pro version.