DO NOT REMOVE PROGRAMS SIMPLY IN ORDER TO REMOVE AN ICON FROM THE DESKTOP!!!!!

THIS IS BAD ADVICE!

Fair enough if you don't use the programs but if it's only to tidy up the desktop of icons, all you need to do is create a folder on the desktop:
Right-click > New > Folder

then DRAG your unwanted icons and drop them in the folder. Voila! Tidy desktop and if you want to use the program, it's still there! Just open the folder and click on the icon to launch the application or launch it from the Start Menu.