marciequintana

Q: Why do you need Java?

What are the benefits of installing/updating Java on your MacBook Pro? I have not updated and keep getting the "new version is available" pop up. I am not sure what are the +/- of having this. Thanks in advance for  your insights.

 

Marcie

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012), iOS 9.2.1

Posted on Apr 1, 2016 7:15 AM

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Q: Why do you need Java?

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  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Apr 1, 2016 7:40 AM in response to marciequintana
    Level 9 (60,702 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2016 7:40 AM in response to marciequintana

    Java is needed for playing Minecraft.

     

    If you don't do that, there is very little need for it, and NO NEED at all to have it enabled in your Browser, where it is a serious security risk.

     

    If you encounter an Application that actually needs it, it will tell you what version is needed, and ask you to install it.

  • by lllaass,Solvedanswer

    lllaass lllaass Apr 1, 2016 7:47 AM in response to marciequintana
    Level 10 (187,967 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2016 7:47 AM in response to marciequintana

    You only need Java if a website you visit requires Java.

    Java is know to frequently have security flaws and thus you should either keep it updated or disable it.

    To disable

    How to disable the Java web plug-in in Safari - Apple Support

    When yo update it all go to Oracle's site to update since the popup you get may be a ruse to get you to download and install malicious software for, someplace other than Oracle

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,Helpful

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Apr 12, 2016 2:42 PM in response to lllaass
    Level 9 (60,702 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 12, 2016 2:42 PM in response to lllaass

    Be extremely skeptical about Web sites the appear to "require" java. It's main use on the Internet is for playing web-based games, and extremely complicated technical computations on web sites, and little else.

     

    There are LOTS of rogue sites and malicious ads that will ask you to install java (so they can hack you). Java is only needed when the complexity of what the web site need to do is extremely high.

     

    ONLINE BANKING NEVER NEEDS JAVA!