One of the more annoying things about installing or re-installing Windows involves having to install your programs.  There is now a way you can speed up the process and eliminate most of the work as well.  If you visit Ninite (LINK: http://ninite.com/ (http://ninite NULL.com/)) you will be able to make the installation of some of the most common programs a simple 1 step process. 

The following is from the Ninite site showing the programs you can choose from (as of 11/24/09)

     All you need to do is pick all the programs that you would like to install, then click at the bottom where it says Get Installer. You will get a single file to download.  Once you have it downloaded, double click it and the remaining work will be taken care of for you. 

-Ninite installs apps with default settings and says "no" to browser toolbars and other junk*.

-Ninite checks your PC’s language and 64-bit support to install the latest, best version of each app.

-Ninite runs on Windows XP/Vista/7 and works in the background 100% hands-free.

-All Ninite does is install the apps you choose.

(*The only thing to keep in mind is that the installer will install to your C:\ drive, I point that out to those with more than one drive, in case you prefer to install to another drive.)