I always seem to have some type of software that I need to install on my machines. This is normally due to re-installing or getting new machines. There is a great site that helps you add all your favorite programs in one install (allmyapps) basically makes a custom installer.
You just need to head to their site. Select all your favorite apps (firefox, vlc, imgburn, audacity, etc..) and it creates an installer for you. What a time saver.