Hi theresa62,

The resource below explains the processes that are involved with the iTunes software installed with Windows 7.  It's possible to use your iPad mini without the corresponding iTunes software on your Windows computer .... but it would limit what you can do with it.  You can't sync your iPad with your computer, use iCloud services, etc. without the software.  The choice is totally up to you.

iTunes for Windows: Background processes installed on Windows XP, Vista, and 7 - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201999

iTunes for Windows: Background processes installed on Windows XP, Vista, and 7

iTunes for Windows (XP, Vista, and 7) installs some processes that run in the background. Below is a brief explanation of what each process does.

 

                                                                                    

Process	What it does
AppleMobileBackup.exe	Backs up the data on your iPhone or iPod touch
AppleMobileDeviceHelper.exe	Listens for commands to help iTunes communicate with devices
AppleMobileDeviceService.exe	Allows iTunes to recognize iPhone and iPod touch
AppleMobileSync.exe	Synchronizes iPhone or iPod touch data with your computer
distnoted.exe	Allows iTunes to sync with iPhone and iPod touch
iPodService.exe	Allows iTunes to access devices.
iTunesHelper.exe	"Listens" for commands to help iTunes communicate with devices (such as iPod).
iTunesPhotoProcessor.exe	Transcodes photos and artwork for devices
MDCrashReportTool.exe	Extracts log reports from the device and submits them to Apple (if selected)
mDNSResponder.exe	Allows iTunes to discover services on the local network (music sharing, Apple TV, AirTunes). Also known as Bonjour for Windows.
SyncServer.exe	Coordinates the synchronization processes
qttask.exe	Provides a QuickTime icon in the Notification area (system tray) of the Windows Task bar. This process might or might not appear depending on your configuration of QuickTime and whether the QuickTime icon is enabled in the Notification area.
Processes depending upon Sync configuration	What it does
dotmacsyncclient.exe*	Syncs the device with iCloud
com.google.ContactSync.exe*	Google contact syncing
com.apple.IE.client.exe	Syncs the device with Internet Explorer
com.apple.Outlook.client.exe	Syncs the device with Outlook
com.apple.Safari.client.exe	Syncs the device with Safari
com.apple.WindowsContacts.client.exe	Syncs the device with Windows Address Book / Windows Contacts
com.apple.WindowsMail.client.exe	Syncs with Windows Mail
com.yahoo.go.sync.client.exe*	Syncs with Yahoo

 

 *These processes will require internet access to sync. You must allow these processes internet access through your firewall in order to complete their functions. For more details, see iTunes for Windows: Troubleshooting security software issues.

Note: Depending on your configuration, some of these background processes may not appear. iTunes can start other background processes to perform various tasks like syncing and diagnostics. New functions may be added to these background processes in the future. Please note that you should not disable these processes even when iTunes is not open on the computer.

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Last Modified: Jan 15, 2015

Regards,

- Judy