Java

[himerus]

I have been offered a Java update. Can anyone explain in simple terms what it is for and how I would use it.

[BoldestBoss]

Jave is very insecure, if you must use it, then you must keep it fully up to date
My friend had 4 infected java viruses just yesterday, he was able to remove them using MSE, microsoft security essentials
Which is free antivirus software from microsoft
He also ran a free program called malwarebytes, this is excellent at detecting spyware when updated

If you have no java applications, then you might be best uninstalling java completely, and then updating your internet browser to IE8 if it already isn't IE8.

[himerus]

Jave is very insecure, if you must use it, then you must keep it fully up to date
My friend had 4 infected java viruses just yesterday, he was able to remove them using MSE, microsoft security essentials
Which is free antivirus software from microsoft
He also ran a free program called malwarebytes, this is excellent at detecting spyware when updated

If you have no java applications, then you might be best uninstalling java completely, and then updating your internet browser to IE8 if it already isn't IE8.

Thanks for your reply but I still don't understand what Java is used for. Can you explain?

[BoldestBoss]

Is it an application tool.
Browsers see 'most' of the internet, some websites have builtin applications.
The most common of these are 'flash' based, all facebook games are flash based.
A less popular plugin type is java.
Internet banking used to often be based around java, but now very little uses it.
Some pornographic websites use it to stream pornographic materials, and some outdates sites use it for small games.

Most websites avoid it entirely.

[DanMc]

Java is a programming language developed by Sun Microsystems and the Sun version is the one you should use. It is not the same thing as Javascript. To test if Java is working on your machine go here. It will also tell you whether or not legitimate updates are available.

http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml

In the box there should be what looks a bit like a cup of hot steaming coffee in blue and orange. You should always beware of offers to update software which turn up on your computer unless you know where they come from.

[PlasticAnnArbor]

Why should be jave unsecure

better yet - this is MORE TRUE
" WHY is java so insecure on Microsoft Windows platform ? "
" Why dose Microsoft LET java be so insecure on there operating system ?"
" WHY are Microsoft operating systems so insecure , in the first place, that java code can EXPLOIT IT ? "

Answer :
$$$$ cash . It is cheaper for MS in the short term ( and long term) to put out a CHEAP and bad OS then pay for advertising and on lobbyists to get contracts .
Than it is to write GOOD code in the first place .

[DanMc]

Why should be jave unsecure?

If you see a window that ask you to update java and you previously installed java there is nothing to fear about

In much the same way that there is nothing to fear about clicking a link which purports to lead to photographs, but actually leads to akira.exe, a Windows executable file.

[PlasticAnnArbor]

In much the same way that there is nothing to fear about clicking a link which purports to lead to photographs, but actually leads to akira.exe, a Windows executable file.

not quite
on windows the java daemon " service" is ran in the background at boot and checks if it is the current
-- it calls home --

then the toolbar icon pops up a small window that says that there is a update - and asks what you want to do

[capilot]

NEVER accept a software update that just pops up on your screen. It's almost certainly fake and almost certainly a virus.

If you want to update software, go to the vendor's web page, and don't go there by clicking a link in a popup.

[certvalue143]

Java is a computer programming language. It enables programmers to write computer instructions using English based commands, instead of having to write in numeric codes. It’s known as a high-level language because it can be read and written easily by humans. Like English, Java has a set of rules that determine how the instructions are written. These rules are known as its “syntax”. Once a program has been written, the high-level instructions are translated into numeric codes that computers can understand and execute.
There are lots of applications and websites that won't work unless you have Java installed, and more are created every day. Java is fast, secure, and reliable. From laptops to data enters, game consoles to scientific supercomputers, cell phones to the Internet, Java is everywhere.

Types of Java Applications:
Java can be used to develop different types of applications:
1. Standalone Applications
2. Applets
3. Web Applications
4. Distributed Applications

[emilycurious]

Java is a computer programming language

It was in 2010 when this was asked.
Now it's a virulent disease spread by unwashed coffee cups.

[Mark_Parrish]

Just a lot of applications and programs require such a pre-installed package for normal operation