Is it worth installing java for a single application?

I'd like to use AeroFS as Windows Live Mesh is going away. I'm a heavy user of the PC-PC sync functionality and there's nothing similar available on the market.

BUT, AeroFS requires Java. So, in your opinionation is it worth it? I don't wear a tin foil hat, but Java is just a mess these days.

I've been searching for a while for a free alternative but haven't found something that works as well as Windows Live Mesh, but open to suggestions.

Sabowtage13

Posted 2013-01-21T20:57:51.297

Reputation: 39

why are you trying to avoid java? – Memming – 2013-01-21T21:19:56.780

When homeland security warns about it just seems like one warning too many... http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/14/department-of-homeland-security-disable-java-unless-it-is-absolutely-necessary/

– Sabowtage13 – 2013-01-22T04:44:10.157

Answers

I think there is no need not to install Java. Even though there are few common applications that require Java, you will always stumble upon something. You are not losing anything by having - it's like installing Flash or Silverlight.

If you are just concerned because the recent news that Java is not safe, that is actually just for Java Applets. And I don't know much about the website you want to use, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't involve these, because they are pretty rare now-a-days.

Anyway, it's just my opinion, but I don't think installing Java is problem. You can deactivate Java Applets very easily, just google it. In Firefox, for example, there is this article:

http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/How%20to%20turn%20off%20Java%20applets

But of course you can re-activate it any time for trusted web-sites, it's way easier than installing it all over again.

Luan Nico

Posted 2013-01-21T20:57:51.297

Reputation: 239

+1 for recommending disabling auto-running in browsers. This is highly recommended. – Julian Knight – 2013-01-21T21:44:22.567

-3

A single java installer is pretty tame these days and fairly small. Just disable the automatic updates and you shouldn't have any nagging problems with it down the road.

Lee Harrison

Posted 2013-01-21T20:57:51.297

Reputation: 2 046

2Disabling auto updates is a potentially major security risk. – MetaGuru – 2013-01-21T21:20:08.903

1An appalling security risks given the issues Java has had over the last few years – Julian Knight – 2013-01-21T21:43:16.517

Agree that this does not seem like the way to go... – Sabowtage13 – 2013-01-22T04:45:21.777