Why exactly do alienware apps need to access the internet?

So I've had my m17x r2 for a couple weeks now and I love it... But I was a bit too eager to start gaming and didn't pay as much attention to security as I normally do on a computer. Although I did install COMODO firewall (my preferred free sw fw) I usually just clicked allow when it asked me about an alienware program accessing the internet. Now that the excitement of playing fallout 3 on max settings and gtaiv and crysis on high settings has started to subside, I'm focusing a bit more on security. After reviewing my firewall security policy, the following three entries got me wondering:

C:\Program Files\Alienware\Command Center\AlienSense\FAService.exe
C:\Program Files\Alienware\Command Center\AlienwareAlienFXController.exe
C:\Program Files\Alienware\Command Center\AlienFusionController.exe

These are all set to "Allow IP Out From IP Any To IP Any Where Protocol Is Any". What exactly do these apps need to do on the internet? Is it just for updates? FAService.exe worries me the most because I don't want my pretty face transmitted over the internet

Also, if I simply disable these from loading at startup will I still be able to open the command center from the touch button as long as OSD is running? I haven't noticed much stutter in any game except fallout because I have the hires textures mod, but that's kinda expected. I do want aliensense to run automatically though, it's just too convenient not to have.

Sorry for the WOT and multiple Q's being asked in one post.

EDIT: Also, I've noticed that after logging in with aliensense (not sure if it happens with aliensense disabled), maybe about one minute later, the webcam light flashes. Is it taking a picture or something? Just seems kinda odd.

 

The access if for update checking of CC.

You can disable them if you like and launch CC manually. FAService is the webcam (AlienSense), Fusion is just the Alienware interface into your OS's power profiles. FXController is responsible for your themes. If you need to edit or change your lighting theme, you will need to launch AlienFXController via the Alienware Program Group on the start menu.

With AlienSense, as an alternative to killing the service, just open up AlienSense in the Command Center and drag the slider to the left so it shows it as disabled.