BleepingComputer.com: To Delete or Not to Delete?

Hello!

I just set my computer back to factory settings, and I am just cleaning up some of the software that comes with the computer. However, I came across a few that I am unsure of deleting. Here's a list of what is installed currently. If you see anything else useless just let me know.

Advanced Audio FX Engine -- No clue what this is...
Compatability Pack for the 2007 Office sytem -- Do I need this? I don't have Microsoft Office...
Dell Touchpad
Dell Webcam Central -- If I delete this, will my webcam still work?
EDocs --No clue what this is...
Integrated Webcam Driver (1.02.02.0603)
Java™ 6 Update 20
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition [ENU]
Microsoft Works
Quickset -- I don't use this, do I need it?

Thanks in advance!
x

Hi Whitney! I have a couple of Dells myself, and am familiar with some of these. Others I had to look up.

Advanced Audio FX Engine -- From Creative. Includes certain functions for your sound card. Keep.

Compatability Pack for the 2007 Office sytem -- I uninstalled this and Windows Update wanted to put it back so I let it reinstall. I don't have Office either, but I do have Office Viewers, and they seem to get compatibility updates too. It's not hurting anything to keep it, as far as I can tell. It's basically a package that makes newer and older versions of Office documents inter-compatible within the various Office versions.

Dell Touchpad - Controls functions for your touchpad. Keep.

Dell Webcam Central -- This isn't specifically the drivers for your camera, but there are functions of it that are only accessible with this software. I have it, I'm keeping it.

EDocs -- I do believe this is the Dell Document Viewer, which opens the electronic version of your computer manuals.

Integrated Webcam Driver - Just what it says. Keep it or your built-in webcam won't work.

Java™ 6 Update 20 -- Latest version of Java. Keep it.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition -- Keep it. Some software needs a database to operate, and this is what makes the databases work.

Microsoft Works -- I despise Works, but it's your call. It was the 2nd thing I uninstalled off my system when I got it. I use OpenOffice, which is free. BUT Works is simpler if you just need basic stuff. I would say check it out, see if it's what you want to use. If your system came with a Works CD you can re-install it later with the software key that should be on the package.

Quickset -- This is Dell's utility for managing your power options and notifications.

Hope that helps!

Christa

Thanks so much, that helped a lot (:

x

to Bleeping Computer, Whitney and Christa.

Christa, excellent job on explaining what all that stuff is. You sure saved me a lot of work.

I agree Whitney should keep all of those.

I'm happy to have helped.

Christa