Do I need Java?

Just keep it Never Activate. If you ever need it, you can re-enable for the occasions that you do.

Thanks for the replies.

When I look at FF add-ons it has Java(tm) platform SE 8 u45 11.45.215

It's set to:
Ask to activate

I can set it to Never activate.

Is never activate more secure somehow than ask to activate?

I keep JAVA disabled in my browsers by default. There are a few sites that I rarely access which require JAVA to function, network related, but don't need it otherwise. Don't mistake it with Javascript, which is completely different, and integral to the functioning of most websites. You can't post to these forums without Javascript being activated.

Flash has become just as big a problem as JAVA. I keep it as Ask to Activate, as there are just too many vulnerable issues that crop up with it on a frequent basis. It's become hackers preferred exploit tool as it has allowed remote machine control on not just Windows, but on MAC and Linux machines. The latest vulnerability being the perfect example. Some hackers have even injected YouTube videos with code in an attempt to exploit vulnerabilities.

The problem has become so critical that some browsers will disable Flash if you don't have the most current patched version. Others, such as Chrome, auto update Flash plugin.

Chris Bryant wrote:

bwanshoom wrote:

Chris Bryant wrote:
As always, keep in mind Java and javascript are 2 different things- only distantly related.

Distantly related how?

They are both object oriented, and both have the word java in them ;)

People still confuse the two though, and think that no script will keep java from running, or that removing java will protect from JavaScript exploits.

Ah, I see, the distance is measured in light years in this instance. :B

They're not even similarly object oriented as JavaScript is not class-based. Javascript used the word Java (with Sun's permission) purely as a marketing ploy to ride the Java wave from 20 years ago. The confusion is understandable, but unfortunate.

bwanshoom wrote:

Chris Bryant wrote:
As always, keep in mind Java and javascript are 2 different things- only distantly related.

Distantly related how?

They are both object oriented, and both have the word java in them ;)

People still confuse the two though, and think that no script will keep java from running, or that removing java will protect from JavaScript exploits.

Chris Bryant wrote:
As always, keep in mind Java and javascript are 2 different things- only distantly related.

Distantly related how?

I turned off Java script in Safari a while back on my iPad. A few days ago I was searching something and it said I needed to turn on my Java script. So I did. Don't think Apple would have it if it was relatively safe.

Java is needed by many websites

It is java script.... that is often used for malicious purposes
But..many honest functions on websites like this one use java script for
Call functions to other routines

Update your java

Install "NoScript" for Firefox to control scripts on webpages
Note..with no script you are going to be doing a lot of click ok..to give permission for scripts, flash..etc... until you get all your websites correctly permissioned

As always, keep in mind Java and javascript are 2 different things- only distantly related.

wa8yxm wrote:
Well. There is Java and there is Java

Java #1 = Coffee

There is no life before Coffee
So yes you need Coffee.

Java #2 is a compuer thing and some web pages reqauire it.. most do not.

Don't even think about talking to me until after the first application of Java #1 and it would be best to wait until after the second application.
:)