Is Java Necessary??? (Solved)

[Virgorising]

Hi,

I just read a comment in this thread, below, suggesting Java is unnecessary! It resonated, and made me realize I know nothing about Java. But, I now get, I always assumed it was, in fact, necessary.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2356848

I have always had it, I update it....can helpers pls educate me on this issue?

If it is NOT necessary, and, if there is no downside to getting rid of it, I now think I should to do that.

Thanks!

 

[Berryracer]

something will always come up that needs it.

For me, BlackBerry software is based on Java, and is yet the most secure mobile system

 

[Virgorising]

something will always come up that needs it.

For me, BlackBerry software is based on Java, and is yet the most secure mobile system

Neo! See, that was my take all along, which is why I've always had it and updated it, but the entry in the above post made me revisit, feeling I am ignorant of the reality, and don know for sure if it's safe or necessary.

Thanks, Neo!!

 

[seepy83]

It really all depends on what software you need to run. Some software requires Java. It's important to note that java and javascript are not the same thing, and there are people that will need to have javascript running in their browser but will not need a Java Runtime Environment installed on their computer.

The advice I give to home users - uninstall it unless you know you specifically need it. If it turns out you need it installed, you can always reinstall.

In the business/enterprise environment, again it all depends on what software is being used. Of the business computers that I manage, only 10-20% need to run it.

 

[lxskllr]

The advice I give to home users - uninstall it unless you know you specifically need it. If it turns out you need it installed, you can always reinstall.

^^^This is good advice.

You likely don't need the browser plugin. You may or may not need it generally on the system.

 

[Virgorising]

It really all depends on what software you need to run. Some software requires Java. It's important to note that java and javascript are not the same thing, and there are people that will need to have javascript running in their browser but will not need a Java Runtime Environment installed on their computer.

The advice I give to home users - uninstall it unless you know you specifically need it. If it turns out you need it installed, you can always reinstall.

In the business/enterprise environment, again it all depends on what software is being used. Of the business computers that I manage, only 10-20% need to run it.

Wow. Only 10-20% in enterprise? I am stunned. That is dramatic and can not be arbitrary.

I do, now, recall, on more than one occasion during installation of some new app, I was asked to update Runtime! I wish I could recall more specifics.

It was also my vague take, older versions should be uninstalled because of vulnerabilities. I never do that.

Have I been living in a Fool's Paradise?:\

 

[Virgorising]

^^^This is good advice.

You likely don't need the browser plugin. You may or may not need it generally on the system.

Wow. Just when I finally came to the end of a big, slightly exhausting but worth it data chasing journey....I find myself presented with another one!:sneaky:

I am going to uninstall the plug in in Pale Moon and just see what happens.

As for Runtime.....my vague memory is it presented when installing Dragon Naturally Speaking. Could that be right?

(And thanks!!!)

 

[lxskllr]

As for Runtime.....my vague memory is it presented when installing Dragon Naturally Speaking. Could that be right?

Could be. Java's used in a lot of cross-platform applications due to compatibility. I have it for LibreOffice, and my i2p router. There may be some other things too. You could uninstall it, and see what breaks. It's easy enough to put back if you need it.

 

[smakme7757]

Once our bank moved to PKI and Smartphone authentication i removed it. I have absolutely nothing in my day to day duties that needs Java runtime any more. No software or websites that i visit need it. So it's gone and good bloody riddance!

 

[Virgorising]

Could be. Java's used in a lot of cross-platform applications due to compatibility. I have it for LibreOffice, and my i2p router. There may be some other things too. You could uninstall it, and see what breaks. It's easy enough to put back if you need it.

:biggrin: OK, see, it's the "....and see what breaks" part I am afraid of.

I am pretty sure Dragon employs it---tho Dragon continues to disappoint me, so I rarely use it....but I would not want to go thru having to train it it all over again, it's so boring. I must now delve and see if it does use it.

I will do a modest baby step....and first uninstall the add on in Pale Moon. I am too nervous to address the Runtime part yet.

Thanks!

 

[Virgorising]

Once our bank moved to PKI and Smartphone authentication i removed it. I have absolutely nothing in my day to day duties that needs Java runtime any more. No software of websites that i visit need it. So it's gone and good bloody riddance!

K... NOW....I can almost not wait to first, get rid of the add on in Pale Moon! This is so liberating!

(I luv the "good bloody riddance!"):sneaky:

 

[Virgorising]

OK wait.....it seems it's C++ Visual Runtime Dragon needs.

I had runtime confusion for a bit....all I remembered was "runtime."

 

[Virgorising]

Release the ballooooons! I am JAVALESS. AND SO FAR, nothing exploded!

Using my beloved Revo Uninstaller, which, after running the uninstaller, cleans up EVERYTHING....I GOT RID OF THEM.

And, JUST the JAVA update one....after I cleaned the registry of that, Revo showed me....left 600 files I told Revo to dump!

I feel CLEANSED of toxins I did not know I was harboring!!!

I also disabled the add on in PM first.

Thanks so much, guys!:thumbsup: I had no clue until I came upon that ad hoc reference in that thread!!!

And so yes! "GOOD BLOODY RIDDANCE".:biggrin:

 

[Virgorising]

Could be. Java's used in a lot of cross-platform applications due to compatibility. I have it for LibreOffice, and my i2p router. There may be some other things too

Ahah! Both MS Office and Dragon still working perfectly. Next time I hook up my router---I only use it rarely when I need my wi fi---I will see if being Javaless impacts it.

 

[balloonshark]

Some online speed tests use java while some use flash. I believe Secunia's online scanner also uses java. If you can go without Java you are better off. I built this machine in July and have yet to install Java.

If it turns out you do need Java in your browser it looks like PaleMoon has implemented the click to play feature. In PM you can set the Java plugin to "Ask to Activate" which should be safer.

 

[Virgorising]

Some online speed tests use java while some use flash. I believe Secunia's online scanner also uses java. If you can go without Java you are better off. I built this machine in July and have yet to install Java.

If it turns out you do need Java in your browser it looks like PaleMoon has implemented the click to play feature. In PM you can set the Java plugin to "Ask to Activate" which should be safer.

Thank you for another of your consistently excellent contributions.

Seeing this, I right away went to an app I have which starts with Windows: SpeedConnect. Remember, this is not the usual online speed tester, but I needed to check.

While you would think, having fiberoptic broadband, one might not need it, I do. After setting it to the correct optimizer for your situation,you can run it if you need to, and it (yep) optimizes yr connection, and naturally, it also has a really good speed tester.

So I checked, and being Javaless has no impact on it. Excellent. Note: my connection is fast, but, if I wanted to pay RCN a lot more (I already pay a lot), I could get 3x faster: 75 kbps.

And yes, I did see the "ask to activate" feature re this in Pale Moon!!!

And, re being "better off" Javaless.....this is first time in my life.....I DO FEEL BETTER OFF! Sorry Sun Micro.....it is true.()
____________________________________________
One more re Speed Connect:

 

[Virgorising]

One more: logic just said, since I dumped everything JAVA from every part of this system, if I looked in Pale Moon plug ins, etc.....it would be absent altogether.

And, it is.

Apparently, with no downside, tho I am being vigilant.

Why did I formerly think I needed this thing?

Cause I din know better. Is why.()

 

[Soundmanred]

What about not having Java installed makes you feel better?

 

[Virgorising]

What about not having Java installed makes you feel better?

Simple: given getting rid of it seems to have had no downsides at all, I conclude it was extraneous re my needs and apps.

I try not to keep anything extraneous in my computers.

Would be lovely if I did the same re my closets.:sneaky: But I am a work in progress.
_________________________________________________
Addendum:

And....I was always aware of vulnerabilities, i.e. this:
http://www.h-online.com/security/ne...erability-in-latest-Java-version-1781156.html

Now, I have greater peace of mind too.

 

[Cogman]

If you don't need it, don't install it. Plain and simple. (and if you need it, you'll know it).

Why should you uninstall it if you don't need it?

It removes potential security vulnerabilities.
You don't have to worry about auto updating the stupid thing every month.
It isn't doing anything for you, so why waste the disk space/memory/etc to run the auto update thing?

I say this as a current programmer currently using Java for my company. The fact is, java applications on the client side are pretty rare. Java applets on the web are pretty sketchy.


BTW, you should also turn on "click to play" in your browser for flash and other plugins. Many security vulnerabilities can be avoided by keeping things from running without your knowledge.

 

[Virgorising]

If you don't need it, don't install it. Plain and simple. (and if you need it, you'll know it).

Why should you uninstall it if you don't need it?

It removes potential security vulnerabilities.
You don't have to worry about auto updating the stupid thing every month.
It isn't doing anything for you, so why waste the disk space/memory/etc to run the auto update thing?

I say this as a current programmer currently using Java for my company. The fact is, java applications on the client side are pretty rare. Java applets on the web are pretty sketchy.

BTW, you should also turn on "click to play" in your browser for flash and other plugins. Many security vulnerabilities can be avoided by keeping things from running without your knowledge.

Bingo on all counts!:thumbsup:

But I only got these bingos after I found that post in that thread.....and then, learned all I needed to in this one!!!!
_____________________________________
Edit: I only this second, after seeing yr post, got Click to Play. Thank U!

 

[Leros]

Nothing wrong with having Java installed if you need it. Lots of desktop apps (e.g. Minecraft or IntelliJ) are Java based.

I wouldn't enable it in your browser, especially by default, as that's where the Java security problems come from.

 

[Virgorising]

Nothing wrong with having Java installed if you need it. Lots of desktop apps (e.g. Minecraft or IntelliJ) are Java based.

I wouldn't enable it in your browser, especially by default, as that's where the Java security problems come from.

Interesting. Know that I am not a gamer. Again, so far, it appears nothing I need and use needs Java. Cause it is GONE, and everything appears to function normally.

 

[Soundmanred]

Interesting. Know that I am not a gamer. Again, so far, it appears nothing I need and use needs Java. Cause it is GONE, and everything appears to function normally.

You are hereby protected from the impending alien mind invasion.

 

[Virgorising]

You are hereby protected from the impending alien mind invasion.

:biggrin:

But not, alas, from the increasingly desperate, ignoble martinets & Fausts on the extreme right.:sneaky: Bet they have moles at Sun Micro.:sneaky:

Symantec can't write code for that.D:

Which is why WE have to.:awe: