arp,
You can probably remove these without serious disruption.
If you recognize any application you use, just don't Uninstall it.
Most of these can be downloaded from the HP website if you change your mind.
------------------------------------------------Remove Programs Using Control PanelFrom
Start, Control Panel, click on
Uninstall a program under the Programs heading.
Right click each Entry, as follows, one by one, if it exists, choose
Uninstall/Change, and give permission to Continue:
HP Advisor
HP Customer Experience Enhancements
HP Games
HP MediaSmart Internet TV
HP MediaSmart Live TV
HP MediaSmart Software Notebook Demo
HP Support Assistant
HPPhotoGadget
Take extra care in answering questions posed by any Uninstaller.
------------------------------------------------I would keep Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and scan with it every week or two. I would also be sure to keep Norton up to date.
You don't really need other security programs.
------------------------------------------------If you wish, you could install Winpatrol. It allows you to better monitor your system.
Install WinPatrol - Download and Install the Free WinPatrol, and view Instructions here:
http://www.winpatrol.com/winpatrol.html - WinPatrol is an active program that drops a "Scotty Dog" icon into the system tray (right click to check/change status), allows you to monitor/edit startups, services, Browser helpers, and prompts for permission if any program tries to change your system.
Good Luck,
askey127