Why i need Java on my PC?

[aigle]

Recently I have uninstalled Java Runtime Environment from my PC, thinking of installing newer version. At the moment I am using my PC without Java since a week or so and have not found any issues?

I use my PC for surfing, Office documents, messenger chat etc and did not find any problems so far.

So my Q is what,s the function of Java on my PC? When do i need it?

Second: Can Java be exploited even when it is not in use on ur PC, just installed?

Thanks

[MikeNAS]

I say no to Java too. I use even OpenOffice without it and every basic functions working fine. I don't like any of those "heavy" addons (Java, .NET Framework etc.). If some programs needs any of those I don't use it.

-MikeNAS

[WSFuser]

Java is used for some web applets and for certain programs (for example Azureus or Limewire).

If you dont visit sites that have java applets and if you dont use any java-dependent programs, then you dont need java installed.

[lucas1985]

{QUOTE-> So my Q is what,s the function of Java on my PC? When do i need it? <-QUOTE}
Azureus, other Java-programmed apps, web applets (mostly games, Secunia inspector, some speed tests)

[aigle]

Ya, I think OpenOffice needs Java!

[WSFuser]

I think its only needed for OpenOffice Base and certain wizards. Otherwise OOo works fine without java.

[lucas1985]

You can run OpenOffice without Java :)

[MikeBCda]

Secunia's probably the only critical thing that jumps to mind that you will need Java for.

At one time Trend's HouseCall introduced a new version that needed Java too. I haven't used HouseCall in ages, so don't know if that's still the case.

[aigle]

I saw it bundled with java!

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
I don't use Java ... don't really need it.
One of these days I'll attack Eclipse, then it will get interesting.
Mrk

[Nick Rhodes]

Freemind (http://freemind.sourceforge.net) is the only reason I have java installed.

[Jomsviking]

{QUOTE-> Second: Can Java be exploited even when it is not in use on ur PC, just installed? <-QUOTE}

I too wondered about this often. At first I thought that, if the installation of a new java version goes well, the only java plugins interacting with web and other apps will be the updated ones, so no problem should arise from that. Java's own FAQ provide this information. In theory.

In practice though, certain malware types (example: some vundo exploits) can take advantage of older java versions installed on the PC. So: It's best to only have 1 java version on the computer: the updated one; uninstall all others prior to updating, and chose the manual download option at the java site.

[deanmartin]

The only 2 things I use it for is Secunia, and my Local National Weather Service Live radar.

[cheater87]

This is why I have that noscript firefox extension installed. ^_^

[ccsito]

Some websites use Java applets. I use one website that requires Java to be installed or you can't access the site.

Yes, the program can be exploited even when not in use. I know that firsthand (from the Vundo/Virtumonde spyware). >:(

[aigle]

{QUOTE-> This is why I have that noscript firefox extension installed. ^_^ <-QUOTE}
That,s mainly for browser related Java scripts, not Java!

[WSFuser]

True though it can also be used to block java.

[Long View]

so is there a minimal java ? same for net framework ? is it really needed and if so for what ? I think I'll just uninstall and see what happens.

[WSFuser]

Like java, .NET Framework is required for some programs (ex. Paint.NET or CDBurnerXP).

[Kerodo]

I got along fine for many years without Java, but then started installing it a year or two ago and still do. But it's not hard to do without it most of the time, for me anyway...

[jfd15]

yea, i think Java is vulnerable even when not in use because they always say to make sure that you have uninstalled the older versions, since Java doesnt automatically do this...