What is Java.

Question

Hi there Forum friends

                                     Can any one tell me what JAVA is/what do you use it for.  Java is installed on my Windows 7 desktop.  At boot up Java starts up each time, I wondered if it is safe to disable it from start up, or is it essential that the program runs each time my Computer is on.  I know it sounds like a silly question to the pros, but if I don't know the answer, it's not.  As is often said " something is only easy if you know the answer".  Any advice most welcome, thank you, Bitbop.

Answer 1

The entry in startup is for updates, it checks for updates, every so often.

It can be disabled / deleted in startup

But if you do use it, you'll have to go to the oracle/sun site to check for updates when they come out.

And every time you update it you SHOULD uninstall older versions, which can be full of vulnerabilities. If you dont uninstall older versions, you can be hit by whatever vulnerabilities are in that version of Java

I dont use it. I dont have any programs, that need / require it.

Some sites and programs MAY need it. In order to work. No Java it wont run or work properly

Answer 2

Just to elaborate on what J.DD said -

If Java is installed on your machine it was likely installed by a program that uses it.

Regarding it's vulnerabilities.  If it's installed but not in use it is not vulnerable, and

pretty much everything that runs on line is potentially vulnerable anyway.

Your browser, Windows, Media Players (if streaming or using downloaded media files), and more.

All these programs get regular updates which are largely to do with patching security holes.

I've never had a problem with anything that uses Java, which as has been said,  is used

mostly by web sites. Keep your Anti-Virus up to date and stay away from torrent download

sites and you are very unlikely to get a malware.

I've never had a virus/malware infect my machines in 10 years of using a PC

What is Java ?

Answer 3

Hi BossDweebe

                           I would like to also thank you for your contribution to my question, Thank you very much, really appreciated,  Bitbop.

Answer 4

Hi J.DD

               Thank you very much for your information, much appreciated. Bitbop.