Mavericks-Western Digital software issues - need advice

This is re: the problems (erased data) associated with Western Digital software and the Mavericks OS.

I use a Western Digital HD for Time Machine backups only and don't use the WD software at all. However, WD Smartware is installed in my applications.

I haven't yet upgraded to Mavericks because of the known conflicts. But it's high time I did upgrade to Mavericks.

So, questions:

Since I only use the WD hard drive for TM backups, do I even need the Smartware on my computer?

If I don't need the WD Application at all then is it safe to remove it?

Do I need an uninstaller or can I just drag it to the trash?

If I need an installer, where do I find it?

I know I sound like an idiot, but the older I get, the less I think I know about my computer - and conflicts like this just make me crazy.

So please offer succinct, simple to understand, clear advice and instructions. I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks.