Windows 7: do i need the following programs or can i uninstall them

atheros driver installation program
broadcom 802.11 wireless lan adapter
hp 3d driveguard
hp software framework
idt audio
realtek ethernet controller driver

thank you.

Don't uninstall anything unless you're 100% sure it doesn't serve a purpose that you need and/or want.

As far as your list, I wouldn't uninstall any of them except possibly 2, that I'm not familiar with: 'hp 3d driveguard' and 'hp software framework.' You can check the software descriptions (or Google the info) to see what they are and what they do.

Unless you want to be without the ability to log on to the internet, I'd leave well alone.

What problems are you experiencing that makes you suggest uninstalling what, in essence, are essential applications for an internet service?

jturk,
Probably the two HP programs can be uninstalled.

You can always reinstall them via the HP website.

Basically, though I agree with the advise to leave them alone.

What you can do is tell the system not to run them at startup time.

Use following to post a copy of your startup programs:
LIST OF STARTUP PROGRAMS USING CCLEANER


STARTUP PROGRAMS
CCleaner | Tools icon | Startup button |
click on Save to text file button (bottom right side)

Using the PAPER CLIP icon (top panel of a Message Reply),
attach the startup.txt file generated by CCleaner
CCleaner - Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download

jturk,

You can also help us by carrying out following:

Please read and carry out as written:
Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (3rd item in the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use SIW or Speccy or System Info

Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on the SAVE CHANGES button.

1) The broadcom wireless adapter is the wireless card driver. Keep it.

2) HP 3d driveguard is a propreitary software that senses jerks and sudden movements and parks the hard disk head when it does. It protects the hard disk from damage. Keep it.

3) IDT audio is your audio driver, lol. Keep it.

4) Realtek ethernet driver is your wired NIC driver, you'll need it to use wired internet. Keep it.

Rest is BS. Lemme also tell you another thing- if this is an HP PC, all installed drivers are first unzipped to a folder called swsetup at the root of C: i.e. C:\swsetup. Backup this folder to a hard drive before you make any changes, that way you'll always have a copy of the original drivers available.