So many users have gotten complacent about that pesky Java update that seems to always want to run... it feels like every day: there it is again! Users tell me they often ignore it and my response - please don't!
So why does it always need to be updated?
Many websites use Java as part of the visitor experience on their websites - it is a programming language that works on multiple platforms (types of computers: Mac, Windows etc). Without Java (or rather the Java Runtime Environment) running on your computer - those website components would not work for you when you access those certain websites. The catch is that Java is an environment to run programs - those programs could be written with malicious intent. So Java is constantly being updated to fix security issues as they are discovered which could allow malicious programs to run on your computer if you browse to an infected site.
Java updates should be installed as soon as they are available to lower the risk of malicious content infection. They are safe to update - but they do sometime included options with them like the Ask Toolbar or the McAfee Scanner. During the installation of the updates you have the option to uncheck the installation for those add-on programs. I recommend doing so as the fewer programs you have vying for system resources, the better! And don't even get me started on Toolbars!
Hopefully, this helps you understand Java a little better - or, at least, enlightens you on the importance of running the Java updates!
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