OSD - What it is and if it's necessary

Hi everyone. I'm trying to build a clean Alienware 18 (Win 7) with the minimum extra crap.

So probably no AlienFX or whatever all that is. I love me some gaming but I don't need some superfluous bling in the O/S that doesn't really change my gaming experience but does affect my everyday use of the machine when I am loading it up with all kinds of apps for work.

Er, anyway, back to the topic at hand: OSD. This thread has one response that makes it sound like it's only software that gives some kind of function key visual:

What is Alienware OSD?

Then it devolves into a thread for people who want to mod the visuals. But then this thread indicates that it's a hardware component???

Missing 3 stupid drivers, help finding them Alienware M18

So can someone clarify once and for all what OSD is and what it does? Software? Hardware? How useful is it? How much system resources does it take up?

Any other thoughts from the perspective of keeping a clean, lightweight system greatly appreciated!

 

As for as I can tell it allows me to manually turn off/on my GPUs and use the intergrated video card. This is what happens when Fn+f5 keys are pressed and a restart of the pc. I'm guessing it's a save battery thing. I know if I uninstall it I can't do that.

 

It is software that controls a number of things, and there is a hardware component because you will have a bang in Device Manager without the drivers installed. Dell, HP, Acer, Clevo and probably most of other laptop manufacturers have similar software/drivers that enable special features accessible through keyboard macros. On my Clevo the equivalent is called Command Center.

As @Scanner pointed out, switching from discrete to integrated graphics is one of the things it does. Some of the other FN combo keys for advanced features (HDMI in/out, for example) will not function without it. Some features (such as volume control and mute) work without it, but that is not an advanced feature.

 

Thanks, Mr. Fox! Does anyone know if there is a place to find a full list of its features?

So far, I'm on the fence as to whether it offers anything I truly need.

Oh, and what is everyone's experience with how much system resources it uses?

 

I've never "not used" OSD. I have always installed it and don't think you will notice anything significant with regard to system resources. Look at the icons and text on your F-keys and media panel buttons. Those are the features. Many of them will not work unless OSD is installed. I'm not aware of any written publication that lists everything that OSD supports.