Computer Spring Cleaning

Hi forum,
System is Windows Vista Home Premium (64 bit).
Recently the unit has started to boot very slowly (either going to on or off) and even when the screen appears icons in the system tray are slow to appear and I cannot work until this is done.
I suspect (I may be wrong) the Security (Microsoft Essentials suite and,maybe,Malwarebytes). I am wondering if AVG free or Avast free would be better alternatives..I had AVG before and I never had any problems and Avast comes highly recommended. The computer is also loaded with a lot of programmes (mainly HP) that I am considering removing and I just need advice on what it would be safe to remove. Below is the list:-
1. Cyberlink DVD suite 2. Power to go. 3.Power Director. 4. Label Print.
5. Adobe AIR / Adobe Flash 10 / Adobe Flash 10 plugin / Adobe Reader.
6. HP.. Doc View / Easy set up/Help & Support/Total Care/User guide/ etc.
7. Skype (never use) 8. Microsoft Works (ditto) 9. WindowsLive mesh Active 10.. Microsoft Visual ++ (4 of these on the PC) 11. J Micron JMB 38X Flash Media Control.
The reason I have put 1. 2. 3 and 4 is that I do not use Cyberlink as I have HP Media smart for playing DVDs and BluRay discs. For CDs playing and burning I use Windows Media Player.
So, I should be grateful to know (1) a quicker less resource using Security System and how many of the 11 programmes outlined could I dispense with. My start-up programmes are fairly reduced to 8 or 9 so I think I have this under control. And ,also, I do not load my system with too much software or fiddle around with it too much. Help appreciated Also if I uninstall Skype (which came with the O.S) can I re-install it if I should need it ?

We can work together to get you running the way you should. I will get you some tutorials that will help.

Edit: Check back for additional information
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html (for Vista, too)
To maintain your computer

10 Tips on How to Properly Maintain Your Computer

Steps that I did not notice on the guide include:

Running a scan disc before doing a defrag

Using Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.

Making System Restore points, at least once a week

Makaing a system Image once a month (varies by user)

Not relying on your A/V common sense, should prevail. You know of many sites can cause a problem.

Do not use any reg cleaning or optimizing software.

Download and use Ccleaner about once every two months. Untick any registry entries.
http://www.piriform.com/

If you follow these instructions, you will be trouble free for a long time to come.

Be sure to back up your hard drive about once a month (varies by user) and to keeep system restore points up to date.

Optimize Windows 7

Keep Security Essentials and Malwarebytes. They will not slow the system and are one of the best protections

In regards to removing programs, test with a clean boot and see how various scenarios work out
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135