Does VCD need to be mounted for My Book to auto backup?

I’m a bit confused about the Smartware VCD. Once My Book is set up and configured, does the WD Smartware VCD need to be mounted for the drive to do its auto backups? Likewise with the Smartware program, does it need to be open for the drive to do its auto routines? 

I see a lot of discussion posts about removing the VCD, uninstalling it, etc. I’m happy enough to use the Smartware, just not fond of having things on my desktop, and would like it to disappear.

You don’t need the SmartWare VCD mounted for backups to run but you do need the software installed and running in order for the backups to update.