What Is Java and Do I Need It?
Many websites tell you they have a "Java application" to show you and you need to enable Java on your end to run it. Is Java safe? Are there any potential downsides to installing it? Read on to find out...
Should You Allow Java on Your Computer?
If you encounter a website with an embedded Java app, and you don't have Java installed (or enabled), you'll just see an empty space where the program should be displaying. Many sites will provide a helpful link to where you can download the Java runtime environment from Sun Microsystems, the developer of Java. Even cell phones commonly push Java at users. But what is Java, and why should you install or enable it?
Java is a both a programming language and a platform for development of applications that work on multiple operating systems, such as Windows or Mac OS or Linux. Java consists of many software components that work together to provide a "cross-platform environment". Essentially, that means a program written in the Java programming language will run on any type of computing platform, not just on an Intel or Apple or Nokia piece of hardware; provided, of course, that the essential Java operating components are present. That's where the Java runtime environment becomes necessary.
Java is handy for programmers; they need only write a program once and not worry about whether the user has a PC or a Mac computer, or be concerned with which browser is being used. Java applications can be embedded in web pages, cell phones, industrial controls, household thermostats, even coffee makers. So you will run into Java often.
Yes, you do need the Java runtime environment, or you will be frustrated quite often. That online game or mortgage calculator you've been looking for all day won't run without Java. So go ahead and install the Java runtime. It won't hurt, if you have sufficient computing resources.
Is Java Safe?
Java is touted as a secure computing environment, one that makes it difficult for bad guys to snoop, cripple, or take over your computer. The Java runtime forces all Java programs to run in what's called a "sandbox", a portion of computer memory to which they are strictly confined. In the sandbox, a program cannot do certain things without the user's explicit permission - like read your email or format your hard drive. But a sandbox takes up space.
Java sets up this sandbox in a "virtual machine" which consumes considerable computing resources. The amount of resources required varies according to the needs of a given Java application. A mortgage calculator won't slow your overall computing down noticeably. A 3D animated game might, if your computer is short on memory and/or processor power.
Java applications are often encountered on Web sites, and you may want to disable them sometimes. Firefox, Internet Explorer, and most other Web browsers let you enable and disable Java at will in their "Options" settings.
In Firefox, click on the Tools button on the main toolbar. Then select Options. Click on the "Content" tab and check or uncheck the "Enable Java" checkbox.
In Internet Explorer, click on Tools, then Internet Options. Select the Programs tab and click the Manage Add-ons button. Find "Sun Microsystems - Java plug-in" and enable or disable it.
When the Java runtime is running in memory, you may see a "steaming coffee cup" icon in the system tray. It may persist after you close your browser or otherwise stop using a Java application. Don't worry, the Java runtime will end itself and the icon will go away after a short while.
Do you have something to say about Java? Post your comment or question below...
|
|
Need more tech support?
|
Posted by Bob Rankin on January 13, 2010 08:46 PM
| Need More Help? Try the AskBobRankin Updates Newsletter. It's Free! |
 |
Prev Article: Geekly Update January 12 |
|
Next Article: My Cholesterol Level is Too High! |
 |
|
Link to this article from your site or blog. Just copy and paste from this box: Related Keywords: Software Java Sun application run-time plugin |
There's more reader feedback... See all 14 comments for this article.
Post your Comments, Questions or Suggestions
|
Ask Bob Rankin Home Page
Subscribe to AskBobRankin Updates: Free Newsletter |
|
| Copyright © 2005 - Bob Rankin - All Rights Reserved | ||
Article information: AskBobRankin -- What Is Java and Do I Need It? (Posted: January 13, 2010 08:46 PM)
Source: http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_java_and_do_i_need_it.html
Copyright © 2005 - Bob Rankin - All Rights Reserved
Most recent comments on "What Is Java and Do I Need It?"
(See all 14 comments for this article.)Posted by:
Salman
20 Jan 2010
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.
Posted by:
java
21 Jan 2010
"When Java has updates and you install that current version, the old version remains."
New version of java uninstall older version already.
Posted by:
steves
21 Jan 2010
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.
Posted by:
Alex Netherton
21 Jan 2010
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...
Posted by:
PSK
21 Jan 2010
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.
Posted by:
Marilyn
21 Jan 2010
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?
Posted by:
ytl
22 Jan 2010
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.
Posted by:
Richard Randall
22 Jan 2010
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.
Posted by:
Marilyn
31 Jan 2010
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.
Posted by:
Margie Roberts
06 Feb 2010
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?