What happens if i uninstall java from my computer

Therefore, I have four questions: is it safe to remove old Java updates? If so, which Java updates can I uninstall? Can I remove older Java versions? Is the latest Java backwards compatible with my Java applications? The simple answer is: Yes, it is possible to remove older Java updates, and there is an automated way to do this safely explained below. Generally speaking, uninstalling older versions of Java is recommended for security reasons and should not impact the programs that require Java to operate I.

Java is a widely used programming language that is used on computers, tablets, phones, and even appliances such as your refrigerator.

The beauty of Java compared to other programming languages is that it is cross-platform. This means it can run on different operating systems, whether it's Mac, Linux, Windows, or other devices, without making changes to the Java application itself. This means you can literally run the same Java application on one machine to the next, regardless of its operating system.

To make the Java application cross-platform, it requires the " Java Virtual Machine " JVM as an 'interpreter' between itself and the operating system. On Windows platforms, the JRE is essentially a single executable file that installs everything you need to run Java applications on your machine. For example, some Windows games require JRE. Although rare, some older Java applications won't run on newer Java releases. As such, it is possible to have more than one version of Java installed on your operating system.

Generally speaking it should be safe to upgrade to the latest Java Runtime Environment JRE for your operating system, then uninstall previous releases using the " Java Uninstall Tool. As each JRE is installed on the machine, Java will prompt to install updates as they become available. Older updates are not cumulative and can be removed using the Java Uninstall Tool or manually by the user. I think everyone should uninstall Java from all their PCs and Macs, and then think carefully about whether they need to add it back.

If you are a typical home user, you can probably do without it. If you are a business user, you may not have a choice. Many companies have used the Java language to develop business applications that run on servers, and this "server-side" Java is safe. It's the "client-side" Java running via web browser plug-ins that is not safe.

Note that Java has nothing to do with JavaScript, which is another language used to develop websites and apps.

JavaScript was originally developed by a different company Netscape under a different name LiveScript. The name was changed for marketing reasons that disgraced both the companies involved, neither of which survived. Java has been in the news this year because of some "zero day" vulnerabilities exploited by malware writers. Zero day means there is no patch for the hole, so users cannot protect themselves by updating their software.

In fact, Java became the main vehicle for malware attacks in the third quarter of , when they increased fold, according to Microsoft's Security Intelligence Report Volume 10 PDF. Things got worse, and Kaspersky, a leading anti-virus company, dubbed The year of Java vulnerabilities. I therefore regard Java as an unnecessary security risk, and I removed it from our home PCs years ago.

I suggest you do the same. Living without Java is much less of a challenge than living without Adobe Flash. All programs have bugs and may have security holes, so why the Draconian approach? Sorry to say, I don't have enough confidence in Oracle's ability to fix it.

Oracle didn't write Java, just inherited it when it bought the failing Sun Microsystems, and according to The Register : " Metasploit founder HD Moore warned Oracle was still sitting on a backlog of Java flaws that will take up to two years to patch, even without the discovery of new flaws.

Oracle is good at selling high-priced products to large enterprises, but Java involves dealing with up to a billion non-paying consumers. In my view, Oracle's belated response to the recent "veritable media firestorm" does not make the right noises about protecting consumers.

It seems more concerned with defending its profit-making server-side and embedded Java businesses. So why does Java prompt users to uninstall it? All software contains bugs and vulnerabilities, so one method to limit the number of ways your computer can be attacked is to reduce the amount of software running on it.

For systems with Java installed, when the periodic updater runs to look for security patches and new versions of Java it will not only recommend old versions are uninstalled but if Java has not been used for 6 months, it will recommend to the user that they uninstall Java completely from the device.

Old and obsolete software left dormant on systems represent a security debt that enterprise security managers ignore at their peril. Software that is not used should be removed in order to protect the network from any vulnerabilities present in that software. This is especially important for third party tools which are not included in the operating system monthly patch cycle and in-house developed applications. You can manually list the software installed on a Windows PC, for example, using a tool like WMIC or employ a network software inventory tool to scan the network and identify all installed software on each endpoint.

The Data Breach Investigations report provides insights from the analysis of over 29, real world cyber security incidents from helping Security Managers track the evolving behaviour and tactics of threat actors. The Verizon Read more.