Ninite - Website of the Month, February 2011

How do you keep the software on your PC up to date? The Automatic Update feature of Windows is handy and for the most part unobtrusive, but what about the programs you use that aren't part of Windows?

We've just started using www.Ninite.com in the Digital Accessibility Team to keep on top of our software chores. If you've been updating every program individually, or sticking with out of date software because you can never seem to find the time, then Ninite might be the right solution for you too.

Ninite (pronounced N I Nite) is a site that features a comprehensive selection of useful programs and third party software. Instead of downloading and installing them one by one though, Ninite allows you to choose exactly which of the choices on offer you want installed, then it generates a tiny file specific to your list of choices. When you run the Ninite installer that's been made for you, the service automatically downloads and installs each program you chose. Ninite's policy is to say no to ToolBars and additional junk you didn't ask for wherever possible, and so far, they've been sticking to that rule with absolute rigidity.

Why is Ninite Website of the Month?

Ninites website is both uncluttered and accessible. Categories of software are marked by headings which is always handy for screen reader users, the descriptions of each choice are short and affective, and even the techier parts of the site are written in language that's easy to digest.

We were particularly impressed by the balance that has been struck between security and simplicity. A lot of stuff goes on under the hood to ensure that this service is safe and secure to use, but from the user's point of view, it really couldn't be much simpler.

User comment:

James Ridley says:

My job involves restoring systems that have had some sort of fault, so I spend a lot of time most days deploying the same old software over and over again. Over time I've managed to automate driver installation and what have you, but Ninite has been the last piece of the puzzle for me in getting a fully functional system up and running as quickly as possible. I even carry a few of their installer files with me on my memory stick so that I can get people running the latest versions of software quickly when I'm on the road. At first I thought Ninite wasn't going to hold my interest, I'm one of those people who enjoys seeing a computer hard at work, but considering how much time it's saved a geek like me, I can only imagine how handy it'd be for people who have better things to do with their time than tinker with their computer.

Tips and tricks:

1. Ninite is a great way to get around those inaccessible installers, take Flash for example. Next time an installer has unlabeled buttons or you can't tell which options are selected, check whether the software is available from Ninite. If it is, you'll know that you're getting the latest version without any other junk, plus you've just worked your way neatly around that inaccessibility issue.
2. If you're a screen reader user, you've already read that the categories of software are marked with headings. Handily, each choice is also a checkbox, so you can use your screen reader's quick navigation keys to flick through the choices at lightning speed.
3. Your Ninite installer won't actually give you much detail when it's hard at work. At first, we found that a little alarming, but we've grown to like the approach. Try setting Ninite in motion by running your installer, then go off and do something else. Remember that there's no need to check the computer every 10 seconds, so you can focus fully on what you're doing in the meantime. Returning to find an easily understood list of what had been done felt great, it was the least stressful way we've ever updated our system.

Got a suggestion?

We want to hear from you, our users. Which apps and websites should we be writing about on the TechKnowMore blog? Is there an app you can no longer live without? What website is at the top of your favourites list?

Drop us an email on DigitalAccess@rnib.org.uk to let us know, and your favourite service could be featured in the very near future!