Which installs? Distros or apps? Can you provide a little more detail and maybe a scenario or two for context so that I can better respond?
Discussion
Sorry for any ambiguity.
I'm referring to installing apps such as a browser etc.
After installing a hodge podge of apps in an assortment of ways. Curl in command line, flatpack, the default app store in fedora etc. You now have the problem of maintenance. Updating and even deleting can become a chore if you can't recall where you downloaded from.
No worries. Now I understand.
I keep easily searchable, linked-by-topic "nested" notes in Logseq (Logseq is an amazing app for knowledge management) when I first install anything, how I installed it, and any notes or links that I might need to reference in the future—this could be something simple like an app or something more complex like a network.
This way, I don't have to hunt the info down again or rely on memory when I install a fresh OS or reinstall an app or system—I just go down my list. It saves a lot of time.
E.g., I also have a note that details all the basic apps and extensions needed for a fresh distro install, and each app is linked to the install instructions in my notes, etc.
I could write a new OS "install all apps and settings script," but it's not necessary, and I usually prefer to do it manually to see if anything has changed.