Java

collioure_bee · Post by **collioure_bee** » Mon 30 Aug 2010 13:16

I keep getting something pop up asking me if I want to update now or cancel.

What is java and is it worth updating?

Santiago · Post by **Santiago** » Mon 30 Aug 2010 13:27

Jave Runtime Environment, which is what I'm assuming you are talking about, is like an add-on operating system that allows you to run programs without having to install them. It's a bit like a more powerful web browser.

If you don't know what it is, you probably don't need to update it.

collioure_bee · Post by **collioure_bee** » Mon 30 Aug 2010 13:58

Cheers sant. Had a feeling you'd know. The icon is a bit like a coffee cup.

Sav · Post by **Sav** » Mon 30 Aug 2010 14:04

Hi all

This may also help

http://blogs.pcmag.com/securitywatch/20 ... in_you.php

Cheers Sav

collioure_bee · Post by **collioure_bee** » Mon 30 Aug 2010 15:47

Cheers Sav. But being a complete computer illiterate, what would I use java for? Watching films or tv? If I don't need it I'll get shot.

Sav · Post by **Sav** » Mon 30 Aug 2010 16:18

collioure_bee wrote:But being a complete computer illiterate, what would I use java for? Watching films or tv? If I don't need it I'll get shot.

You can download it again, if you need it for anything later.
http://www.java.com/en/

Cheers Sav

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon 30 Aug 2010 16:44

I have used Java in building websites. It is a programming language that you use to build thing active stuff for webpages. Windows that pop-up, graphics that change, calculators, games etc. I would expect on the front page of Anglophone-Direct that those changing images of Panoramas and P-O Life and the scrolling panel of text under Life in the PO are all driven by little Java applications.

Like any computer program the software gets updated to fix bugs and add more functionality. I think it is the writers of code that need to update software more than the users of the internet but it won't do any harm to keep updated.

collioure_bee · Post by **collioure_bee** » Mon 30 Aug 2010 16:54

Thanks for all your help, basically it's nothing to worry about then. Wish I wasn't so computer stupid LOL.

russell · Post by **russell** » Tue 31 Aug 2010 10:45

If you disable or uninstall Java some web pages will fail to load properly. This may or may not be important for you.

If you keep Java it is safest to update, as many updates are issued to fix security bugs.

Keep your anti-virus software updated if you are running Windows.

If you want real security change to Linux or buy a Mac!

Russell.

collioure_bee · Post by **collioure_bee** » Tue 31 Aug 2010 11:22

Cheers Russell, that was nice and clear, I'd better update it then.

I'd love the luxury of a mac but that'll have to wait for now.

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