![Quintet – boldly fly your starship through the galaxy with your friends [Freeware]](http://www.redferret.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/quintet3-270x190.jpg)
InstallPad is a clever freeware program which automates the chore of installing software on your computer. It comes with a small list of open source programs which you can use, but the real sauce comes from inputting your own program names to keep your own setup up to date. It would be nice if the program scanned your machine to find your favourite programs automatically, but perhaps I’m being picky.
InstallPad can help you. It takes a list of your favorite programs and will download and install the ones you pick. It doesn’t need to ask any questions, so you can go do more important things. InstallPad can resume downloads you’ve canceled, and can even try and find the latest version of your program online. If you administrate or develop for Windows, InstallPad can help you get a machine set up with service packs, applications or development tools without the need for CDs or running lots of scripts.
About the Author:
Nigel is the managing editor of the Red Ferret, as well as a freelance columnist for the Sunday Times newspaper in London. Loves tech and fancies himself as a bit of a futurist, but then don't we all?
Nigel – who has written 5153 posts on The Red Ferret Journal.
![buycott3 150x150 Buycott finally theres a guilt free way to shop [Freeware]](http://www.redferret.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/buycott3-150x150.jpg "Buycott - finally there's a guilt free way to shop [Freeware]")
