Java is on my computer and it thinks it's important, so it informs me that it needs updating periodically.
I don't click the link in the notice, though, instead going to Programs and Features and accessing the link there. It checks my computer and tells me, yes you need to update, and I do it.
But whenever I'm on Facebook, I get a message from FB that it needs to run the Java Runtime Environment Update XXX.
If Ive already installed the update, shouldn't it be running already?
Has anyone else seen this when on FB?

I do not think FB should ask that if you have already updated. It could be a malware attack but this is just guessing. I only use FB with my phone but I think Java is not needed. I tried to find the software requirements but didn't find that place. Java is normally not needed and I suggest people to uninstall it unless they need it because it is a common attack route.

This is a bit dated, but the situation has not changed that much.
 
http://www.zdnet.com/article/how-big-a-security-risk-is-java-can-you-really-quit-using-it/
 

Java is an application that lets web designers impress themselves by writing code that runs on your machine to accomplish things that could almost always be done better and more easily in other ways.

Thanks, slart, that bit about some education software requiring Java reminded me that I downloaded it for my landlady's grand-daughter who was using my computer for her school work.
It's now on the hit list.
 

drewfx1
Java is an application that lets web designers impress themselves by writing code that runs on your machine to accomplish things that could almost always be done better and more easily in other ways.

Yeah, we use Javascript in our php customer web portal and I blow hot and cold on how we use it. If I had my way I'd kill it but we have three or four pages that would require weeks (if not months) to re-write and test. That's time we don't have.
 
The only thing I impress myself with it is I can actually make it work about 50% or the time.

bapu

drewfx1
Java is an application that lets web designers impress themselves by writing code that runs on your machine to accomplish things that could almost always be done better and more easily in other ways.

Yeah, we use Javascript in our php customer web portal and I blow hot and cold on how we use it. If I had my way I'd kill it but we have three or four pages that would require weeks (if not months) to re-write and test. That's time we don't have.
 
The only thing I impress myself with it is I can actually make it work about 50% or the time.

Um, Java is not Javascript.  "Real" websites don't need Java, but many rely heavily on Javascript.
 
Here's one of several websites that detail the differences: http://www.htmlgoodies.com/beyond/javascript/article.php/3470971/Java-vs-JavaScript.htm
 
 

I used to play chess & bridge online on Yahoo games (until they discontinued it) and they both used a Java app......other than that, I'm not sure why I'd need it now (even if 3 billion devices run on Java).
 
I'm not sure if Steam or Origin needs it as those are my gaming platforms.........I probably should just uninstall Java.

I need Java everyday or I get really crabby. I get headaches, stumble aimlessly down hallways, and wonder how to make the day stop spinning. I see someone in the break room guzzling a mug of coffee and I focus on their jugular. It pulses with fresh, hot caffeine. With a quick bite, just a little one, I could tap into that...
 
Oh, you weren't talking about the hot beverage. Never mind.

bapu

drewfx1
Java is an application that lets web designers impress themselves by writing code that runs on your machine to accomplish things that could almost always be done better and more easily in other ways.

Yeah, we use Javascript in our php customer web portal and I blow hot and cold on how we use it. If I had my way I'd kill it but we have three or four pages that would require weeks (if not months) to re-write and test. That's time we don't have.
 
The only thing I impress myself with it is I can actually make it work about 50% or the time.

Java and javascript are two totally different beasts.  Java is an object oriented language that is painfully slow but theoretically easier to learn than languages like C.  Javascript is scripting language used by most websites to some degree.  It is a lot harder to avoid and many sites will not function without it.
 
As the article slartarbartfast shared, the most prominent apps to use it are a few online games and Open Office.  I sometimes consider tossing Open Office for that reason since i use Java for noting else.