HP Bloatware, or useful system utilities?

Other than Documentation, definitely Bloatware.

If you use it and you think it`s good, well then it`s just that. The choice is yours :)
Some of the apps are useful, some are garbage.

Didn't see anything I'd want on my machine.

That HP Support assistant is a must

As a long term HP user, both laptops and desktops as well as servers, I have my opinion of those.

HP QuickWeb is for me a must. It is a Linux based lightweight mini-OS on supported HP models that starts in a second or two when you are busy and do not want to boot all the way to Windows.

Another HP tool I always keep on laptops is HP 3D DriveGuard. It protects HDD for drops, vibrations etc.

HP CoolSense really makes a big difference on supporting laptops, keeping them cooler.

Everything else is rubbish, whatever you hear. Quick Launch is the biggest problem, it can totally screw the keyboard mapping regarding special keys. Support Assistance comes in second place in useless, heavy applications of HP.

Kari

gregrocker said:

Win7 doesn't need any of them to run of course, but if there is an OEM feature that truly provides better monitoring or utility than Win7 native features then this is valuable information for users.

+1. Very true.

I would like to recommend to do a clean install on a new HP. I do it always. Get a naked (= not HP's with bloatware) Windows ISO or DVD and do a clean install, alternatively on newer models use the HP Factory Recovery selecting Windows Only (the latest HP models allow user to select factory recovery to complete HP Setup (Windows & Bloatware) or Windows Only which according to my experience and notions is as close to real, fresh and clean install as possible).

Later do not install HP tools you think you need from any media delivered with your PC. Instead, go to HP Support & Drivers, select correct country and language and using the product number from COA sticker search Drivers and Software for the tools for your model. Notice that if the tool is not listed there it's not supported by your model.

Something not recommended by HP but wholeheartedly recommended by a user (me) who sets up at least a few HPs every year: Let Windows take care of your general device drivers. Last few years now since Windows 7 every HP PC I have set up, the Windows installation has found all the drivers itself. I do not remember when I have last time needed to download and install drivers from HP. If you feel you must have Catalyst Control Center or controls for Beats Audio or whatnot get them from respective device manufactures site, not from HP.

Another thing is the special drivers for system enhancements not needed for Windows to function, not shown as missing drivers in Device Manager because although the device exists it is only shown when device (or rather enhancement) driver is installed as Windows works perfectly also without it. I get two of this type drivers always from HP's Support page for respective models if they are supported: Intel RapidStorage and Intel TurboBoost.

Bloatware and crapware are a bit too general terms. One man's crap is other man's gold. For me the three tools I mentioned in my previous post are if not gold but copper at least .

Kari

With HP printer you need to ask yourself if you want to scan from the printer. If so then you may need the full software package to do this from the printer, otherwise with only the driver you'll need to use the Windows 7 Scan utility from Startbutton>Devices and Printers, when you right click on the Printer.

If you only want to print then you can use only the driver Windows will load when you plug in the printer, or after enabling Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware (Step 3). In some cases you'll need to import the driver from the HP Support Downloads webpage for the model, but I'd stay away from the full software package unless you need to scan from the printer - and then I'd Custom install only the core program, OCR for editing scanned documents, but not Updater, Customer Improvement or any Pictures program bloatware you don't need.

If an HP printer's full software package causes problems when set to start with Windows, then what I'd do is disable it in msconfig>Startup and initiate scans using HP Solutions Center link on Desktop. Or uninstall it all except for the driver and use Windows Scan utility.