Java

Is java 8 a safe program to use?

Maybe.

Hello, I am wondering about Java, too. For years I've been reading how insecure it is, and wonder if it ever will be secure, considering all the years of warnings I've read. One of the sites I liked going to relies heavily on it, but one day my Firefox warned me not to go there because of insecurities with Java.

Besides that, I get confused about Java and JavaScript; if my poor old memory has this correct, Java is a program, the other is a programming language. Both names are too similar so I'm sure it causes quite a bit of confusion for others, too. But anyway, I hope Java's security has been improved.

Firefox likely warned you not because of some philosophical or ideological reasons but more likely, it was simply because your Java plug-in was out of date (the same kind of security applies to all plug-ins).

Java is a whole framework that allows people to program a whole host of applications including web, desktop and server based applications. Javascript is a scripting languages for interacting with web content that runs in the web browser (and to an extent, on the desktop).

and JavaScript has absolutely nothing to do with Java, despite the name.

My position on Java is that you're probably okay as long as you are VERY vigilant about keeping it up to date. Otherwise, avoid it.

Thanks for the advice. I don't remember if the message said Java needed updating, I just remember a warning that it isn't safe. The site I went to is for learning music theory and chords, and has a page with a guitar fret board and chord positions. I remember it was that page that gave the warning. If I can find the site, I'll go there and see exactly what that message says, if it comes up again.

As far as updating goes, I usually make sure to do it, and sometimes I check again to be sure. I'm not sure I even have Java, so I went to the Java site to check my browser; it says it can't verify if it is installed and enabled.

I don't have Java because of all the security holes. If I go to some place that requires Java, I just live with the fact that I don't get the functionality, or any access. I'm ok with that. IMHO, Java will NEVER be safe to use because of the number of zero-day exploits already in its history. It wasn't designed with security in mind and reverse engineering in security is very, very, very difficult.

Hi, thanks for the info. All I can say is, wow, after all these years, still no real improvements. It seems like so many of these products are just slapped together and it's a "buyer beware", "Use at your own risk," kinda thing. Just read any Terms of Service, it states very clearly, something about using it "As Is." So, if it's somehow defective, they don't normally take any responsibility for that.

I haven't been back to the page that gave me the warning yet, and I've been afraid to, despite the wonderful service it offers. So far I don't think I have Java installed, it doesn't look like I do. From all I'm reading, it's for the best. We can only hope that maybe someday, things will change.

Thanks again for the input.