Just allowed Java to load on my machine. Is that a mistake?

No, you’re fine. Java is an essential component of many websites, and it’s as safe as houses.

Java is 100% legit! When programs ask to run on your computer, for future reference, the pop up usually includes info on whether or not the publisher is verified. You’ll see on the Java pop up that Java is created by Oracle, a very trustworthy company.

Java is good.as a matter of fact I just updated mine to the newest version after seeing your question.

Just adding that at some point the Java installer started getting packaged with the Ask.com toolbar and other pieces. So you have to uncheck that box during the install (unless you’re just really dying to have the Ask.com toolbar in your browser).

@funkdaddy That was the bit that worried me because it looked like it was sending browsing history. I did uncheck the ask box but I’m not sure if it loading it anyway or not.

Even if it was installed, it’s not a malicious program or anything, just sneaky the way they package it like a helpful suggestion.

You can remove the toolbar from add/remove programs and it comes out cleanly.

Thanks!

Yeah, I dislike the way they include the ask tool bar, just make sure you uncheck it and all is well.

@funkdaddy Thanks for the tip about the Ask browser. They used to allow users to uncheck a box for it, but that option doesn’t appear to exist anymore. They give instructions here for preventing sponsored browsers from being installed during future Java updates.

They did allow me to uncheck the box but then the documentation looked like it was installed. I haven’t rebooted yet to see what was actually installed.

Will do it and report back.

It is legit but somewhat buggy. Even though it has been out for years.

I don’t like using Java because when Oracle bought Sun Microsystems (and Java) they turned around and used it to sue Google,. Java is owned by a bunch of rich bullies.

It mostly works.

Well, the ask.com toolbar didn’t appear so I guess we are ok.

You could go to the install/uninstall programs part of the control panel and delete it if it’s there. It annoys me when programs sneakily get us to install crap in this way. As @elbanditoroso says, Java can cause problems with some software. I’ve had to uninstall and reinstall on occasions because there have been conflicts with some research software I use, but I think it’s required for other programs, so it’s a bit of a catch-22.

Something that I allowed on my computer came bundled with Binkiland and some other piece of crap. It’s plagued me for about 2 weeks now. I’ve run Malwarebytes 2–3 times, and it finds something Binkiland every time. I did a search of my computer today, and found a cookie that would not delete.

I think everyone needs to be sure to click on “Custom install” every time they allow something to install. The only thing I remember giving permission was something with Firefox, and I thought it odd that ‘custom install’ was default rather than ‘automatic’.

To the question, if I don’t have Java installed, it seems like some program is constantly asking for it, and once you install Java, it will want to update, constantly.