What is the difference between Java Script and Java

[Melita-s]

Please tell me the difference between these two:

1. Java Script - as "enable java script" in browser security settings.
2. Java (32 or 64 bit), that is installed in the computer.

Regards,

[v.laurie]

Originally Posted by Melita-s

Please tell me the difference between these two:

1. Java Script - as "enable java script" in browser security settings.
2. Java (32 or 64 bit), that is installed in the computer.

Regards,

Java and JavaScript are two completely different programming languages. If you want to read a little more, there are Wikipedia articles on JavaScript (link here) and on Java (link here).

It's Netscape's fault that this confusion exists. They invented JavaScript and tried to capitalize on the name recognition of the already existing programming language Java from Sun. Ever since then people have been getting them confused.

[Melita-s]

Thank you for the two links. That clarifies it. Am I correct to assume that I am not affected by the security issues concerned with Java from Sun, When I enable Java Script in my browser?

Regards,

[bo.elam]

Hi Melita, if you had any use for Java, it is likely that you would know it. I recommend to uninstall it. Doing so will make you a lot safer than you are now just by not having the program in your computer. If you uninstall it, if a program or website requires it, it will prompt you about it, then you can weight the pros and cons and make a decision about reinstalling it or not.

Like I said, I doubt you have any use for it. Myself, I got rid of it four years ago, haven't missed it, the computers don't break down and I am a lot safer. About a year ago, one of my brothers who is a Facebook junkie asked me if Facebook would work without Java when I advised him to get rid of it. I told him that it would but just in case a important program required it, I placed a Java installer in his desktop. A year or so later, he has not reinstalled it.

Javascript is not something that can be uninstalled and even if it was possible, it would not be a good thing to do because lots of sites require it. For example, we could not use downloading sites like Rapidshare or watch streaming videos if we didn't have it. What I do is I block it on all sites and only allow it on sites that I really need it. Blocking JS also make us safer since JS is used often to hide malware. I use a tiny but powerful extension called NoScript. It works in Firefox. It is great but it takes a little time to learn it and get use to it.

For me, it was easy to get use to it as I don't feel that I have to learn things in one day. I took a no nonsense approach to it and after a while all made sense. I wouldn't trade my NoScript for nothing. Not even a combo of paid security programs.

Regards

Bo

[bo.elam]

Originally Posted by Melita-s

Am I correct to assume that I am not affected by the security issues concerned with Java from Sun, When I enable Java Script in my browser?

Regards,

Thats correct.

Bo

[v.laurie]

Originally Posted by Melita-s

Thank you for the two links. That clarifies it. Am I correct to assume that I am not affected by the security issues concerned with Java from Sun, When I enable Java Script in my browser?

Regards,

Yes, you are correct. But there can be separate, unrelated security issues with JavaScript.

[Melita-s]

Thank you to all of the above. I will start using NoScript. What if I leave Java in my computer and not use it - would it still be a threat? Can it be left in a disabled state instead of uninstalling it?

Regards,

[mr6n8]

Originally Posted by Melita-s

Thank you to all of the above. I will start using NoScript. What if I leave Java in my computer and not use it - would it still be a threat? Can it be left in a disabled state instead of uninstalling it?

Regards,

My understanding is that the Java threat is from web pages not programs that use Java. Though I am not an expert in this area.

If you are still using Vuze, then you need Java for Vuze.

[Melita-s]

Yes, I need it for Vuze. So uninstalling is not an option.

Thank you,

[bo.elam]

Melita, is OK to disable Java and only allow it to work when you need it. By the way, NoScript can be used to disable not only Javascript but also to keep Java and other plugins disabled until there is a need to use them. When there is a need for Javascript, Java or another plugin in Firefox, you can either temporarily allow the website or you can untick the setting in the user interface.This works very nice, specially if you are running your browser sandboxed. That is a different story but a nice way of doing things when you are using the internet. Here is a link in case you like to become a happy and safe Sandboxie user.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/fir...ddon/noscript/

http://www.sandboxie.com/

Bo