Minimalistic Installation, what is necessary?

Sorry to have to post this question, as I'm sure it's been asked before. I simply couldn't find a thread that asked it like this. I am running 4.1U firmware, with HBC DVDx and Bootmii (unfortunately not in boot2) installed. I just finished a lengthy fix that finally succeeded in getting cIOScorp off my system. After that, I'm a little gun-shy about adding new apps to my system.

My noob question of the day is this: what else do I need to add for running homebrew apps?

I've seen recommendations for Trucha Bug Restorer, patched IOS60, Preloader, etc. Do I need these things?

At this point I'm happy to say "less is more," but I also realize that my HBC needs to have some functionality. I hope I've been clear, if not, please ask me for more information.

Thanks in advance.

You shouldn't need any of that stuff. Don't install anything if you don't know what it does. Other than that, you are good. Have fun with homebrew :)

As always, ask here before doing anything software-wise. apps such as Portii, snes9x GX etc. do not touch the Wii Software.

You dont need anything listed in "softmod" guides except HBC and BootMii, and maybe DVDx if you want to play DVDs. Those guides are crap, and most people who use them have no idea what they're doing or why, and so end up bricking their wii because they dont understand something. My advice to you would be ONLY use apps found on WiiBrew.org or in the Homebrew Browser. Practically everything else is illegal/unecessary and dangerous/piracy related.