What Is Java and Do I Need It?

One problem with disabling Java is thet you may need it sometimes. With Firefox you can install the NoScrip plug-in which blocks Java, Flash and Javascript by default but for sites you trust you can enabel this content to execute. It can be a pain sometimes but no more difficult than having to fish out your key to unlock the door of your house which keeps most of the bad guys out.

When Java has updates and you install that current version, the old version remains. I have a number of old versions. Should I delete all but the current one?

Bill, That is a great question. Bob, is it safe to delete the old revisions of Java that accumulate when you open "Add/Remove Programs" under Control Panel

EDITOR'S NOTE: I've done so, with no noticeable consequences.

"When Java has updates and you install that current version, the old version remains."

New version of java uninstall older version already.

I am a bit surprised that you say Java is an oprating system like Java, OS and Mac OS. Is this really true, and can I get applications that run under a "raw" java - no operating system. This is new to me. Can I really boot my machine under Java without using any of the operating systems and stillbe fully functional???

EDITOR'S NOTE: No, it's more rightly called a platform. I've updated the text, thanks.

Interesting.

'Java sets up this sandbox in a "virtual machine" which consumes considerable computing resources.'
Oh, I remember this! I had an old 166mhz machine with like 32mb memory. I was running Netscape, which at the time, was the only browser that had Java (was almost the only browser for a while). When you clicked on a link that had Java, the whole computer would stop, the hard drive would grind for several seconds, and finally some little Java applet would display. I never really knew why it did this. Of course, nowadays, even with only 2gb of memory, this doesn't happen...

to put is simply JAVA is safe.
if you have heard rumours or have seen antiviruses saying that java is unsafe,its a lie. (in the rarest cases it could be a fake java but this is really rare).so java is helpful and if you want a trouble free browsing experience you should get java. btw its a good idea to download java from official sites or places where traffic is really high like some online 3D games i know.

When there is an update to JAVA, why do websites that previously worked stop working? This is very frustrating.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I've not had that experience. Do you remember the website where that happened?

there's been some discussion in the blogosphere about jucheck.exe--my brand new Dell with Windows 7 keeps popping the thing up, and recommending that I don't allow it--so I don't what's the scoop?

EDITOR'S NOTE: As fas as I know, that's the Java Update checker, just checking to see if you have the latest version.

If you use a freeware programme like 'Secunia PSI' which finds insecure , end of life and unpatched programmes, it will advise you to remove all the old versions of Java that Sun leaves behind. Use it in 'Advanced Mode' for best results.
It seems that Sun have finally got around to update properly, as when I installed update 18 it took out the previous version automatically.

What I meant was that the website (or Java app) doesn't load until you update Java. Once I update Java, the site is fine. The problem for me is that I am in a school environment where the classroom and lab computers are locked for most users to download and install. That means every time there is an update, I have to go around and do the updates.

I recently upgraded to Windows 7. I am using gmail for my address. In order to have email go directly to Windows Live I am having to use IMAP instead of POP3. Is this correct? Also how can I put emails in individual folders with email going directly to the folders. I used this in Windows Vista. Thanks! I really enjoy your newsletter.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I don't understand why you'd want to use Windows Live Mail if you have Gmail. Sounds like a giant step backwards. Can you clarify?

I am getting java script errors when trying to access some programs on msn mail or at some websites. I don't know what is causing the errors.
Is there a free program that can find and fix java script errors or will updates fix this?

After the installation the notification option shows and says the options are to be made "prior to installation" but it does not even show you the options until after it has been installed.

I deleted the whole program out of fear

I seem to be getting invitations to update Java just about every time I turn around -- once a week or so. Is this normal?

EDITOR'S NOTE: No, unless you are ignoring the updates.

I am running win 7 64 bit, Java is installed and running 32 bit. Do I need to uninstall java and look for a 64 bit java?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Turns out it depends on which version of Internet Explorer (32/64 bit) you have. See http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/java_win64bit.xml

HELLO THERE , i just want to share my problem with Java. The program was preinstalled in my Dell
4700 and i've had it for 6 years now. in April
running my daily scans it came back infected and
also showed it as severe. The report showed what it found and it was Java:Exploit and with all things looking fine i went to windows update and could not run the updates.( note: if you have any
problems with windows update , Microsoft fixes it at no charge )and so they did.it happened two more times with no charge removal. Well , i deleted Java and anything with it. You go to search and find it and delete everything. it is no longer in my pc , the problem stopped and as commented above some sites could not be opened. i can live with that rather then a virus. don b....

HELLO THERE , i was reading the comments above and
i seen some people having problems with Java. I just submitted my comments. i hope they post it
because i had major problems with Java and hope i can help someone out there. i am not a guru , but wanted to share it you. I just saw a couple of people with comments about updating Java. THIS IS
VERY IMPORTANT DEALING WITH JAVA UPDATES. " YOU MUST DELETE THE ENTIRE PROGRAM IN ADD / REMOVE. then go to search and type in Java. Then delete everything that has Java or Sun in your pc. Then download the new version. Downloading the new version over the previous version should not be done. they do not like each other. their constantly fighting one another and in return you
can get some really bad stuff and make your pc erratic. Trust me, I know. i would much better have some sites that i cannot open then to receive
a virus,spyware , ect. take care , don b..

i've removed java program and registry entrys. and have had no problems online gaming or website viewing..of course some of the web ads may not be viewed which is a plus in my book.

Java is safe? Well, only if you keep it patched religiously and only if the installer removes all older versions (which it had a tendency not to do in the past). An estimated 30% of all malware is installed due to vulnerabilities in old versions of java. By default, java only checks for updates once a month. In short, I would advise removing java to see if you can live without it. You can always reinstall. Many people can live without java, and if so they've reduced their risk of infection by a huge margin.