why is java 2 platform on my computer

[valerielynn]

I think I accidently downloaded this...do I need it? If I erase it will it affect any of my other programs....I think I thought I needed it for my online photo album....

 

[johnnymapson]

Why do you need to erase it? It is fine to leave on your computer. You might have needed it for your online album. Leave well enough alone.

 

[trunks2k]

I think I accidently downloaded this...do I need it? If I erase it will it affect any of my other programs....I think I thought I needed it for my online photo album....

Keep it. Java runs on virtual machine. The idea of it being that as long as the virtual machine is on the computer (no matter what the OS) then the Java program is portable to that machine and will run the same on all machines. That's the concept at least and doesn't really always work in practice.

Gernerally, for an average computer user, you won't run into too much of a need for it. But you might one day, might as well keep it.