Ninite is a tool that simplifies the install of some desktop tools and apps available in its own site, making it easy to install lots of common desktop apps with a single file that does not require much interaction with the end user.
It install the apps with the defaults options, but never with the extra/promotional/freeware addons.
The free version requires internet connection every time as it does not keep a local copy of the installs.
The list of apps is limited on the free version, but really functional. The paid version is capable of managing more details during install, as well as using a proxy for caching, offline installs.
soon.