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...
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Posted by Bob Rankin on 13 Jan 2010
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Most recent comments on "What Is Java and Do I Need It?"
(See all 21 comments for this article.)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?
Posted by:
N Trask
04 Nov 2010
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?
Posted by:
Anne Lawson
28 Jan 2011
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
Posted by:
Marianne Fizet
09 Mar 2011
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.
Posted by:
Lloyd Drinen
28 Mar 2011
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
Posted by:
don barajas
29 May 2011
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....
Posted by:
don barajas
29 May 2011
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..
Posted by:
seymore boobies
27 Nov 2011
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.