Java and JavaScript are languages used on the computer. They are different programs but similar names. Recent security problems with Java were well publicized and had to do with Java and not JavaScript.

JavaScript is used in webpages to create a lot of effects and has additional capabilities. Web programmers use JavaScript in lots of webpages. It is actually a scripting language and not a programming language and the code must be run inside another program.

Java is a full computer language used to develop programs used on the computer and various computer devices. It runs on all types of electronic devices and many programs to control devices are written in Java. It is an advanced computer language developed by Sun and is now owned by Oracle. Java is an object oriented language which means different parts of programs developed in it relate to other objects and not being a language that always does stuff in a specific set of ordered steps. It works more like we humans really think and work.

As a user you usually are not aware that what you are doing is using Java or JavaScript unless you have security levels set high on your browser. If so, you are often warned about JavaScript scripts running. Usually it is safe to run JavaScript scripts. They are just small segments of computer language code.

You will get regular notices of updates needed to be made to Java. If you are not running the current version of Java and it needs to update, I encourage you to do so, to receive the security patched version.

Send your questions to Dwight Watt at dwight@dwightwatt.com. He teaches at a technical college in northwest Georgia and does consulting work for businesses and individuals. His website is dwightwatt.com.