I refuse to install any module without ExtUtils::MakeMaker, even if I have to write a Makefile.PL myself (i do it for modules I release here on perlmonks), and so should you.

Why? Precisely because I like my perllocal.pod's updated when I add modules. I also like my .packlist's properly maintained, so I know exactly what came with each distribution I installed (by using ExtUtils::Installed). PPM does it, and so should every module installing mechanism ;)

It is also one more reason I don't use Module::Build, because as of yet, it doesn't modify the two perllocal.pod (it's on the TODO list).

You should also check out Module::Corelist, ActiveState may add a bit more modules to their core, but Module::Corelist is still useful nonetheless.

Also, Module::ScanDeps may be of interest to you.

update: I forgot to mention to beware of software which deletes/overwrites your perllocal.pod (like Everything).

MJD says you can't just make shit up and expect the computer to know what you mean, retardo! I run a Win32 PPM repository for perl 5.6x+5.8x. I take requests. ** The Third rule of perl club is a statement of fact: pod is sexy.