automate installation of your softwares
Solution 1:
The answer I've found is via some basic batch scripting. Most installation software packages come with some type of silent install setup.
Here are a couple of great resources for automating things: http://unattended.sourceforge.net/installers.php http://unattended.msfn.org/unattended.xp/ (specifically on the left menu under intermediate users>applications)
I've got a nifty cd that installs all sorts of things all automated. I install windows 7 (also automated), then pop the disk in, and viola, brandy new system.