Removing some programs to free up some memory?

Question

I'm trying to free up some memory space on my computer but i don't know much about these stuff so i wanted to ask some questions first. I was browsing around yahoo answers prior to this and i was able to get helpful tips from previously resolved questions but there still some stuff that i'm not sure about. Sorry if there would be too many questions or if this is too long, but they're kinda related to what i'm trying to do. If you get bored, please skip the background and check the numbered stuff

I checked my add/remove programs list for stuff that i don't really need or use and i found a couple of space consuming programs that i rarely use but not sure whether to keep or not. The ones i'm referring to are:

Java 2 Runtime Environment V1.4.2_15 (109 mb)

Java 6 Update 5 (114 MB)

Adobe Reader 6.0 (43.40 mb)

my question is,

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1. if i remove adobe reader, does this mean that i wouldn't be able to use adobe programs properly anymore like Acrobat or photoshop? I can't remeber where i got this notion but PDF files use Acrobat right? So if i remove it would i not be able to open/view pdf files anymore?

i remember installing java on my computer when i wanted to play interactive crosswords but the images won't display. question is:

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2. Is Java mainly used for interactive sites? if i remove it, does it mean that i would have problems with similar sites in the future?

I noticed that there are 2 Java related programs on the list, i'm not sure whether they're both significant or if can do without one of them coz they kinda eat a lot of space. Question:

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3. Is there a difference between the two? Are they supposed to work together and can't run without the other one?

My Microsoft Office 2007 takes too much space (493 mb) there are a couple of programs under it but the only ones that i actually use are word and excel. A couple of users suggested uninstalling it then customizing it prior or while reinstalling. Question:

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4. Can i customize MS Office 2007 without uninstalling the entire pack? How?

5. If i really have to uninstall it, how do i reinstall it? I saw download.com has msoffice 2007, would i just have to download the program from there and it's done or do i need other stuff like installers, discs or something?

I have both spybot and ad aware on my pc since most yahoo answers users recommend using 2 anti spywares. Now i'm thinking of removing it to free some space. question:

6. would my computer be just fine if i remove ad-aware and just stick with spybot?

Answer 1

1) If you remove adobe reader, you can replace it with foxitreader.

foxitreader is a much smaller program and run faster than adobe.

2) You only need the latest Java version 6. You can remove version 2.

3, 4 & 5) Customise Office 2007 is a bit difficult. Why don't you install c**p cleaner (ccleaner) to remove junk in your system.

6) Keep spybot and dump adaware.

Spybot have more features and it can immunize your system.

I would suggest that you back up your mp3 files, movies files, pdf files to CD-R/DVD-R. It would free up a lot of space in your hard disk.

  

Answer 2

1. don't delete Adobe, its so you can read files off the internet.

2. yes don't delete that either  most sites cant run with out java.

3.no but they are VERY important

4. No you wont have word if you delete it.

5. you can reinstall it when you want but you would have to use the original disk(s) not download.com

6. i don't know about that one sorry ;)

i went through this same process the other day! also a way to free space is empty your trassh can often! even if its in the trash its still not countted as completly deleted.

hope this helps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

just remove games that u dont use also documents that you have saved before like reports and stuff that obviously ur not going to need it anymore (if its school stuff)

Answer 4

u should start with the files u r not using like the  internet temporary files and those found in the recycle bin.

1) u need adobe to read pdf files , trust me u will need .

2) u do need jave for interactive sitesrun  that run jave applets  .

3) u can customize office 2007 and uninstall program u do not need.

if u do uninstall u need the cd or dvd or u need to purchase on-line.

4) u probably be ok if u have a decent antivirus package.

P.S.

Try housekeeing the music files , movies or games u have install .

This will be better than uninstalling programs u will need.