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Tech: What is Java? |
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Subject: Tech: What is Java? From: GUEST,leeneia Date: 24 Oct 08 - 05:24 PM I am getting messages (little boxes) telling me that I need to update Java. I tried to find out what Java is for. Here's a sample definition: "Java is an object-oriented language similar to C++, but simplified to eliminate language features that cause common programming errors." What kind of definition is that? So, guys, what is Java? Does it help me, or is it just a way for strangers to exploit my computer? Should I update? |
Subject: RE: Tech: What is Java? From: Amos Date: 24 Oct 08 - 05:43 PM What it is telling you, most likely, is that you should download an updated version of the Java interpreter that runs on your machine. The introduction of Java greatly extended the array of things you could make a web page do, because the Java code gets implemented equally well on any platform, the same way that basic HTML does. If you don't update it, you may be plagued with interesting websites that misbehave/ A matter of taste. In general it's a good idea to stay current in my opinion. A |
Subject: RE: Tech: What is Java? From: Bill D Date: 24 Oct 08 - 05:47 PM Java is fine, unless you go to strange web sites which try to use it for nefarious purposes. I have a few programs which depend on it, so I have anti-virus and firewalls to counter any possible problems. So far, in 8-9 years, I have had no problems keeping Java current. |
Subject: RE: Tech: What is Java? From: JohnInKansas Date: 24 Oct 08 - 07:53 PM There is something of a "contest" between Sun, who I believe originated Java, and Microsoft who've been trying to screw it up since. You can get Java applets from Microsoft, as "optional updates" if you want, and they may already have installed some on your computer that you can just "turn on" (IE Tools | Manage Add-ons gives you "Enable/Disable Add-Ons" or "Find More Add-ons" options. Java is probably the programming language used for many "applets" that appear there.) My preference recently has been to get "Java" directly from Sun Microsystems, although I dont' think it really makes a lot of difference. If browsing in questionable places, I usually use the Enable/Disable menu to turn off Java. Sites that need it usually will pop up a request to enable it, if it's already on your machine; and you can make the choice then about whether to let that site use it. John |
Subject: RE: Tech: What is Java? From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 25 Oct 08 - 12:56 AM Actually the latest version of Java is "Greenblend" - QUOTE Nestle has launched a new blend of instant coffee claiming to deliver 70% more antioxidants than green tea. Nestle says that Nescafe Greenblend is the only coffee in Australia to with a unique blend of green and roasted coffee beans, while not compromising the taste. The claim is based on the results of the Bioavailability of Coffee and Tea Antioxidants in Humans clinical study, conducted in Switzerland and completed in March 2008. It found that although an average serve of green tea contains similar levels of polyphenol antioxidants, the body absorbs 70% more antioxidants from a serve of Greenblend. Nescafe Greenblend is now available in supermarkets across Australia. UNQUOTE http://www.nestle.com.au/Products/Drinks/Nescafe/NESCAF_Greenblend/NESCAF%C3%89_Greenblend.htm :-P |
Subject: RE: Tech: What is Java? From: GUEST,leeneia Date: 25 Oct 08 - 11:06 AM Thanks, everyone, even Foolstroupe. The closest we come to Java coffee is on weekends, when our usual brand is mixed with one scoop of chicory coffee from New Orleans. I think it tastes pretty bad, but it has sentimental value. The DH actually likes it. I am reminded of Raymond Chandler's great line, 'hot coffee, black and bitter as sin.' As for the antioxidents in Greenblend, do they make it worth it to drink instant coffee? ======== I will update my Java software next time I get the chance. |
Subject: RE: Tech: What is Java? From: Artful Codger Date: 25 Oct 08 - 07:46 PM Java is a cross-platform language used for coding many web applications. It is invoked most often when you visit a web page which contains an embedded Java applet. The browser will download the applet and its support files to your local machine and run it with a Java interpreter, which much have a version at least as high as the applet was compiled to run on. (For maximum portability, developers may compile their applets to run against earlier versions of Java than their own current Java development environment.) Generally, only the interface part of the web application is downloaded as an applet; the rest resides on the site's server. And applets can only do benign things on your system--you need to grant special privileges for them to do the more nefarious things favored by hackers. In other words, you seldom have to worry about system attacks from running Java applets. Java is usually installed as an optional component when your browser is installed; and when you update your browser, a Java update may also be included. However, Microsoft tries to discourage its use in favor of their own bastard, non-standard languages (like ASP, C# and J#), so they don't include Java as part of Internet Explorer. However, you can download and install Java and Java updates from Sun, and then Java will work with Internet Explorer. |
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