Ubuntu users love to brag about the super-easy way to download and install free applications using the Synaptic Package Manager. Mac users can point to AppFresh, a free tool which helps you automatically keep your applications up to date. Are Windows users just left out in the cold? Not exactly.

If you’re a Windows user (and statistically that includes most of you), then you need to check out AppSnap.

As described on the website:

AppSnap is an application that simplifies installation of software. It automatically figures out the latest version, downloads the installer and then installs the software in one seamless step.AppSnap is primarily designed for Windows which does not have any decent package manager such as APT and RPM as in the Linux world.

You can take a look at the list of supported applications to see that it supports a huge list of free Windows software. In fact, even if you don’t want to install AppSnap, that directory can point you at a bunch of free Windows software you may not have ever heard of.

AppSnap works a little differently than some other similar programs. It does not maintain a central database of applications such as Download.com, FileHippo or Version Tracker. AppSnap works by actually scanning the author’s website, parsing it, and using that as the source of data. They admit that, from time to time, this method means that it breaks. If the program author changes their website, for example, it could break AppSnap’s ability to detect changes to the software. However, the idea is that there is no better authority on updates to these applications than the official website of the program.

The concept is cool and the app is free. Plus, all of the software that you can install/update using AppSnap is, itself, free. So, I’d recommend you give it a try. I’m guessing you’ll find some free software gems you might find valuable.