"DadApp is the SW utility that controls the programmable buttons on Dell Laptops. Not required, but should be left in because it can create a hassle and doesn't always restore functionality to those buttons once unchecked and rechecked" - direct from Dell

Part of Nokia PC Suite version 5 - which "is a free PC software product that allows you to connect your Nokia device to a PC and access mobile content as if the device and the PC were one." Required by the Nokia status/connection monitor (NclTray.exe)

Part of Nokia PC Suite version 5 - which "is a free PC software product that allows you to connect your Nokia device to a PC and access mobile content as if the device and the PC were one." Required by the Nokia status/connection monitor (NclTray.exe)

Desktop Armor from Headlight Software - "watches dozens and dozens of important settings on your computer and warns you if any program has changed them" including those made by malware

Desktop Armor from Headlight Software - "watches dozens and dozens of important settings on your computer and warns you if any program has changed them" including those made by malware

Intel DSL modem driver - leave enabled or you'll have to re-install the drivers

Part of the Diskeeper defragmentation utility from Condusiv Technologies (was Diskeeper Corporation and Executive Software). Recommended to leave this enabled, otherwise you could have problems starting it manually. Runs as a service on Windows XP and later

Drive letter access to a UDF packet writer for CD-RW - from HP, Veritas (now Symantec) and others. Similar to Roxio's DirectCD and does the same thing. From HP - "This is a needed file as it controls the readability of the Combo drives. Without this file loading the end user will be able to burn CD's but won't be able to read them. The drive itself will be able to read store bought master Cd's without the file but not burnt ones"

Drive letter access to a UDF packet writer for CD-RW - from HP, Veritas (now Symantec) and others. Similar to Roxio's DirectCD and does the same thing. From HP - "This is a needed file as it controls the readability of the Combo drives. Without this file loading the end user will be able to burn CD's but won't be able to read them. The drive itself will be able to read store bought master Cd's without the file but not burnt ones"

Drive letter access to a UDF packet writer for CD-RW - from HP, Veritas (now Symantec) and others. Similar to Roxio's DirectCD and does the same thing. From HP - "This is a needed file as it controls the readability of the Combo drives. Without this file loading the end user will be able to burn CD's but won't be able to read them. The drive itself will be able to read store bought master Cd's without the file but not burnt ones"

Part of the backup suites from Veritas - Backup Exec and NetBackup. Both have now been replaced by their Symantec equivalents since they acquired VERITAS in 2005

Helper for the Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework (DTPF) - which "is a power and thermal management solution at the platform level that utilizes both hardware and software." Helps to control when Low Power Mode (LPM) is entered, maximising battery life

Part of the DigitalPersona range of fingerprint authentication applications - which are use to replace passwords with fingerprint recognition. Included on some Dell laptop models (such as the Vostro 1720) for example

Automatic updates for DefenderPro AntiSpy spyware remover - now incorporated Defender Pro 15-in-1 and 5-in-1

DefenderPro AntiSpy spyware remover - now incorporated Defender Pro 15-in-1 and 5-in-1

Part of the legacy Embassy Trust Suite product from Wave Systems Corp. "Document Manager uses the hardware security provided by the TPM to provide strong protection for data. Files encrypted by Document Manager cannot be located or viewed by others"

Used in conjunction with ADSL modems and routers from Eicon Networks (now Dialogic), Huawei, Conexant and others. Required for a permanent ADSL connection

Sagem based DSL modem related - apparently needed to detect the modem

DrWeb antivirus related - scheduler that allows you to manage an automatic launch of applications, in particular the antivirus scanner or the update subsystem