Why Am I Getting Java Updates?
Every once in a while, you may see a little bubble pop up at the bottom of your screen asking you if you would like to get the latest Java update. If you've ever wondered why these requests come up, you might be interested in reading about what Java is and what those updates do.
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Java Virtual Machine
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Java is a programming language, a code that software developers use to create computer programs. Unlike other languages, Java programs need certain software installed on your computer to run. This software is the Java Virtual Machine, or JVM, which is something like a computer simulated in software. There are different versions of the JVM for each operating system platform (PC, Mac, or Linux), but the same Java program can run on any version of the JVM.
Web Content
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Java is particularly useful for web content because it allows any type of computer to run the same program. Java applets are small applications that can accomplish any number of tasks. For example, a Java applet might let you visualize molecules in 3D on a website, or create interactive color choosers, or even implement simple games. These all run using the JVM on your computer, and you need Java installed for them to work. If you don't have Java, your browser will probably ask you if you want to download and install it. Once you have Java and your browser has the Java plug-in, you should be able to run applets.
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Updates
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The people who create these applets are typically using the latest version of Java. New features of the language programmers use are released regularly as improvements to Java are made. If an applet uses a new feature, the newest version of Java needs to be installed on your computer for it to work. This is why you get requests to update Java. The Update feature automatically checks for new versions and asks you if you want to download and install it.
Turning it Off
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Even though updates are important if you use the Web a lot and want to be able to run the latest applets and Java applications, you may decide that you'd rather not be pestered by the update pop-ups. To turn them off, or make them less frequent, click on the Start button on a Windows PC and select Control Panel (or Settings, then Control Panel). Double-click on Java and select the Updates tab. You can click on the check box to turn off updates, or click on the Advanced button to reach the settings for how often they pop up. You can still update Java by checking for updates manually.
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