I heard about InstallPad on Windows Weekly.
Basically the ideas is that instead of restoring a system after a crash with a copy of what was installed before, it allows you to create a list of applications and it will download and install them in the background. So instead of having to either a) deal with installing old versions of software again or having to go out and re-install the same apps over and over again (assuming that when you install a new system or re-install a system for restore you're installing the same applications over and over again).
Sadly it looks like the pre-baked lists are pretty out of date, but the app appears to have huge potential...
I just discovered another similar program that seems to work a bit better. It makes the list for you automatically based on a scan of your pc, then saves it online. You can also add more apps from their website to your 'pack', and then d/l it whenever you want. I like the idea that it saves the list online, because really in the event of a system restore you're not going to have the installpad list available. This one also updates the versions (I think - not sure). Anyway, check it out -- the website is www.radarsync.com (you can make your list either on the site or via the app)