As the subjects asks.. is there any reason to have the Desktop Media software installed on my computer? Couldn't you do everything the software has on the handheld anyways?

Only reason I ask is because last night as I tried installed Desktop Media 4.2, it kept prompting me to remove a bunch of Roxio Media Creator apps.. eventually uninstalling the entire suite. So now I am trying to find a replacement for the software.

you need the desktop to sync up outlook and load apps from the desktop you need it to do back ups if you arent on BES

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8700/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

You need the desktop manager on your pc to back up your bb, sync contacts and calendar, and to download new operating systems from your carrier. I don't think they can be downloaded over the air.

correct they cant

The backup utility also allows you to selective wipe databases on the BB itself which is handy when troubleshooting. You can't configure or adjust sync settings without DM. It's necessary to have it running for tethering. Media Manager is in DM 4.2+ (not sure if you need it running to enable mass storage mode or not which is what I prefer). The Switch Device wizard is also in DM.

You might not need any of these. Most of our users don't have DM installed.

When I installed the latest version of DM it also asked me to uninstall all of the Roxio stuff. It was replacing it with the Roxio suite that is with the DM.
Try this:
Open up DM and then open up Media manager, you may still have Roxio, if you do it will open up within DM. It will not say Roxio- it just says Media Manager. At least then you will not have to replace the software.

I'll have to check this when I go home today. I've looked under Add/Remove Programs and in the Program Folder as well and the Roxio folder was completed removed during installation. Some ISO files I had on my desktop no longer have a file/program affiliation (blank icons). So I'm not sure.

Edit: Actually, I installed 4.2 but I only have 4 icons, Media Manager isn't one of them.

You need Desktop Manager 4.2 SP 2.