Sql Sever Service

yesterday, an new icon was on my taskbar when i turned on my laptop. the icon is Microsoft SQL Server Service. I do not remember seeing this prior to yesterday. why would this icon pop up? and what does it do? when i run the curor over it is says:"Not Connected-\\". would some one be kind enough to explain this thing to me in the simplest terms as possible?
thank you

 

I guess the obvious question is, do you have MS sql server installed?

Look in add/remove.

 

yes, it is in there, 75megs space... so what does it mean?

 

Well, either you installed the application, or you have an application that requires it.

"chances are" you don't need it, if you don't perform any database work of any kind, and don't know what it is.

Thats at your own risk, or course. Anything relying on it will stop functioning. Its not included with Windows, so in that respect, its not essential.

 

It's a database server. Have you recently installed and database related software ?

 

no, i have installed any database software on this one. i have install a game, but that was done 2 weeks ago.
this pc is vista ready, would that have any bearing on it?

 

None, whatsoever.

 

no, i did not install it.

 

Its probably safe to remove.

Probably. Worse case scenario, an app stops working, in which case, reinstalling said app would replace any dependencies it installed originally.

 

well, i guess i just should ignor it?

 

i got another question.... i was using google for my home page, for some odd reason, that page will not come up, i get the google desktop, but my google personal page will not come up. any ideas?
by the way, thank you for your advise!

 

i need to go, but thank you for help.
have a wonderful day
scott