Some help for a computer idiot.

Totally fine AFAIK as long as they are reputable programs free of malware and whatnot. If they are not running at the same time as Sonar then there should not be a problem.
 
One thing I would watch out for is if those programs hunt for updates automatically. In which case go into the preferences of those programs and turn such auto update type features completely off. I think you can also disable that type of crap by going into Windows Control Panel and deselecting any startup program crap (which is a good idea on a DAW anyway).
 
However... be VERY careful when installing new programs that you are totally aware of what is being installed. I mentioned malware and whatever but if you are snagging freeware vid stuff from the internet or whatever even the cleanest free programs may come with anti virus trials or whatever else so just pay attention to the installer and only install the program components you need.
 
I tried to avoid installing ANYTHING I don't actually intend to use on any of my systems but if you do vid stuff then it make sense to have those programs alongside your audio programs.
 
I am not a tech, others can help you pin down specifics and offer better advice. Maybe list the programs you intend to install and where you got them so others who own those programs can offer insights on any weird crap.
 
If you got it from CNET or whatever... don't install. Go directly to the program manufacturer's website if possible because places like CNET (unfortunately) now cram stupid shiz into their installers (CNET used to be cool... ugh).
 
If it's pro video stuff you paid for these things are likely not an issue but still keep an eye out.
 
Also create a Windows Restore point and/or a system image before installing new stuff just in case something does creep in. Test programs out on a separate system if you can and scour the internet for reviews on the programs you intend to install (look for reports of malware and whatnot).
 
Meh... others can be more useful but that's how I roll... with caution, paranoia, etc but not at the expense of doing what I need to.
 
Cheers.

Windows should pretty much isolate programs from one another. If they are not running simultaneously there should be no issue, except that one program might make changes that affect one that runs later. The main Sonar issue seems to be that other programs that use your audio driver may fail to release it or change the default sample rate, but those issues are manageable. If you are running programs simultaneously, it should not be much more of a problem, unless the programs are using shared drivers etc. Many people run Sonar on a computer that they use for everything else as well.

What others have said. Also, in Win 8.1 it's easy to see what is set to run on startup. Right click on the taskbar and open task manager. Look on the startup tab. You can disable programs from running at start up right on that screen and set their priority. Adobe, Apple and others love to stuff things in startup. I've disabled everything but what I need.
 
Cyberlink should be fine (I have it installed). Always use care when installing something downloaded from the net. For example, in the past I used CamStudio for screen recording, but the latest version I downloaded last week was infected with malware. Keeping the DAW off of the internet can only help.

Thanks guys, the programmes I want to install are reputable and are from disk, I also do update my studio computer via the internet, I just have my WiFi disabled whe n using sonar. I should be ok then as long as I check auto start up programmes after installing.

mettelus
Just check msconfig.exe regularly, especially after you use something that likes to load itself on boot. Adobe is the #1 offender of this. Setting priority of some processes to "manual" is also useful to keep them from autoloading (and can also knock the priorities below "normal").

Legitimate programs can be managed usually via the above and are non-issues for the most part.

 
This, imo is spot on.  Tho in Win 8.1 the program you use is Task Manager.  If you've never used it before, when open your Task Manger, you will need to click on "More details.  Then open the start up tab and you will see what is loading when you fire up your machine.  I personally have nothing in my start up enabled.
 
There are also "Services" but require a bit more knowledge to be tinkering with.

mudgel
 it became a real pain having to go back and forth between rooms to use a different computer to do word processing and other chores.

Consider dual boot and/or virtual machines (don't run a DAW under virtual machine however).