Ninite - Install multiple apps easily, automatically, and for free.

By chanatown -
Image representing Ninite as depicted in Crunc...Image via CrunchBase
With more and more applications going to the cloud for availability, one is constantly turning to the web to download programs for installation. I've tested and used multiple computers from work that arrive with little software, so I often have to download browsers and other apps such as Google Earth or Evernote. I imagine home users would also find use for a single installer to rule them all...enter Ninite.


It's just that easy.
As mentioned upfront on the site's one and only page, there are three steps needed to get you your applications. First, you pick your apps. There's a fair selection, and they are grouped by category (browsers, media, security, and more). Next, you get your installer, which took a matter of seconds for me. Lastly, you run the installer, which then "silently" gets you your applications ready on your machine.

Why it's noteworthy and who's it for
Granted, for hundreds or thousands of machines that corporations deploy, an image most likely handles the installation of the core suite of programs. However, we tend not to put a lot of the extra applications on our standard image to avoid loading it up with programs that teachers just will not use. When using our Tablet PC's, teachers do have installation privileges with a local login, so they may choose to install different browsers or useful programs such as Dropbox. Home users will certainly enjoy the one-stop shopping that Ninite offers.

Pro or no?
Ninite offers a Pro version that offers faster installation, an off line installer, and other extras. The price is $20/month, so this is more likely for very large organizations or extremely taxed IT departments. Currently, the software is for PC's only, which makes sense as the bulk of the programs are PC related. However, I could see a MAC version in the horizon since there are multiple browsers and more programs are added. The bottom line is that Ninite is simple, quick, and efficient.

Related articles by Zemanta
Enhanced by Zemanta

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Live @ ISTE 2011 - Climbing the Interactive Whiteboard Mountain

By chanatown -
The following is the live feed (or if you're reading this after the event - the archived feed) of a presentation at ISTE 2011 titled "Climbing the Interactive Whiteboard Mountain" given by Bret Gensburg . The session took place on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 from 10:30-11:30 pm (EST) at the Philadelphia Convention Center. <p><a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=eea0d87e28" >Live @ ISTE 2011 - Climbing the Interactive Whiteboard Mountain</a></p> For more thoughts on Teaching and Learning Technology,  please consider subscribing to the RSS feed or through email .
Read more

Apple iPad Review (WiFi) - Hardware, Apps, Impressions

By chanatown -
Image
Quick EdTech Timeout (2 full and a 30 second remaining)...It's been a few weeks since that beautiful day (really, the weather was nice), April 3, when the UPS man came and delievered my shiny new toy to my doorstep (2:30pm: finally, I could leave the house!)  I've gotten a chance to use it, play around, download apps, read articles, skim some books, and much, much more. So, here's Part 1 of why I love my iPad...
Read more

Google Apps for Education Certification Program

By chanatown -
Hot off the heels of my Google Teacher Academy reflection, it appears that Google has unveiled its much anticipated (as discussed on the GTA Google Group) Certification Program for Trainers and Partners.  It appears to be a valid attempt to get more trainers (and perhaps not just teachers) out there to spread the good word about Google Apps for Education.  According to the site, there are three attainable levels:  Qualified Individual, Certified Trainer, and Certified Partner.  To achieve the first level, you must pass 6 online exams, each costing $15.  This seems reasonable, especially compared to Microsoft certification exams, but I imagine that this process is not quite as rigorous.  Still, it's nice to make the program accessible to a wide spectrum, and we shall see who ends up benefiting the most from the increased opportunities.  I will most likely complete the certification process this summer and depending on my experience, I will potentially recommend interested ETHS educ
Read more