Java update

[NickfromWI]

Okay, I don't know why, but every so often (maybe one day a week) my computer spaz's out on me when I start it. Okay, it's no big deal, but in the lower right hand corner this yellow window pops up tellng me there are updates available for some java stuff.

I don't drink coffee. Do I need this update?

love
nick

ps- see the pic

 

[NickfromWI]

how do you like the background/desktop of my computer!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Nick,

Most of us coffee drinkers change the paper filter everytime we make a new pot.

 

[caryr]

Hi Nick,

Java is a programming language. Some websites use Java (different from Javascript) and a few other things on your machine may also us it. What you are seeing is the runtime part of it letting you know that there is an updated version of the program available. Since Java interacts with the web it may be a good idea to keep it updated just like your virus and ad blocking software. The latest 1.4.2 update/patch is 08 and the latest 5 (1.5.0) update/patch is 02. If you go to add/remove programs and look for Java you should be able to figure out what you currently have or you could play with Java Web Start.

If you have any other questions let me know.

Cary

 

[NickfromWI]

Wow, I understood some of that. The gist is, "it is good, feel free to download it."

When I download an update, can I erase the older version?

love
nick

 

[caryr]

[ QUOTE ]
Wow, I understood some of that. The gist is, "it is good, feel free to download it."

[/ QUOTE ]
It's at least normal and expected /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif.

[ QUOTE ]
When I download an update, can I erase the older version?

[/ QUOTE ]
It should do that automatically. Though I don't speak from experience since I choose/need to do it manually. With the slooooooow dial up connection we have at home it is easier to ferry everything home with the laptop. Which means I download the complete new version when I have a good bandwidth connection and skip the update over the slooooooow connection.

Cary