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Difference between revisions of "Questionable software"

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(Java)
(The previous Java section was ridiculous. I rewrote it from a neutral perspective. It would be best if non-programmers did not spout their views on Java here.)
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A list of terrible software, which should be avoided:
 
A list of terrible software, which should be avoided:
  
== Java ==
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== Java Runtime Environment ==
  
As a result of security problems, both [[Firefox]][http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/12/10/firefox_26_blocks_java] and [[Chrome]] block the plugin by default.
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''The Java Runtime Environment or JRE should not be confused with Java (programming language) or JavaScript (web scripting language).''
  
Java sacrifices a lot for platform independence, most notably memory-efficiency.
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The JRE is a software package that is required to run applications written in the Java programming language. It includes the Java Virtual Machine or JVM, the Java platform core classes, supporting Java platform libraries, and various Java plug-ins for popular web browsers. The JVM is responsible for the versatility of Java applications in terms of platform support. Unfortunately, it is also responsible for their relatively poor performance and high memory requirements. While the situation has certainly improved in recent years thanks to the Just-In-Time Compiler or JIT, Java applications still tend to be somewhat slower and heavier than their non-Java counterparts. Notably, certain applications like Libre Office require Java for certain features, but can be used without the JRE if the user is willing to sacrifice access to those features.
This is not true and a simple google search can tell you otherwise. The only extra memory load from java is the memory needed for a base JVM, which on normal applications is around 20-30mb. This is the origin of many false rumors and accusations of java beings slow. These used to be true, back before around 2005. The JVM has made significant strides since then.
 
The JIT (Just in time) compilation in java optimizes your java code, and most of the time it is as fast as native code, and in native code, you have to make those optimizations yourself.  
 
  
It is up to you if you want to use java or not, but please stop spreading these false rumors.
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The debate about whether or not to install the JRE on one's computer is most related to security issues stemming from the various Java plug-ins for Web browsers. These plug-ins have no role whatsoever in running most Java applications and are only rarely required to display modern Web content. Due to the significant number of security vulnerabilities caused by these plug-ins in the past several years, major browser vendors like Mozilla and Google have taken steps to see that they are unable to execute without directly prompting the user. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended that one verify manually that these plug-ins are indeed disabled, since they possess known security vulnerabilities at the time of this writing.
 
 
 
 
*Note that you should still have java set to not run on web pages without your permission, and of course only run it on web sites you trust.
 
  
 
== Skype ==
 
== Skype ==

Revision as of 07:25, 4 February 2014

A list of terrible software, which should be avoided:

Java Runtime Environment

The Java Runtime Environment or JRE should not be confused with Java (programming language) or JavaScript (web scripting language).

The JRE is a software package that is required to run applications written in the Java programming language. It includes the Java Virtual Machine or JVM, the Java platform core classes, supporting Java platform libraries, and various Java plug-ins for popular web browsers. The JVM is responsible for the versatility of Java applications in terms of platform support. Unfortunately, it is also responsible for their relatively poor performance and high memory requirements. While the situation has certainly improved in recent years thanks to the Just-In-Time Compiler or JIT, Java applications still tend to be somewhat slower and heavier than their non-Java counterparts. Notably, certain applications like Libre Office require Java for certain features, but can be used without the JRE if the user is willing to sacrifice access to those features.

The debate about whether or not to install the JRE on one's computer is most related to security issues stemming from the various Java plug-ins for Web browsers. These plug-ins have no role whatsoever in running most Java applications and are only rarely required to display modern Web content. Due to the significant number of security vulnerabilities caused by these plug-ins in the past several years, major browser vendors like Mozilla and Google have taken steps to see that they are unable to execute without directly prompting the user. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended that one verify manually that these plug-ins are indeed disabled, since they possess known security vulnerabilities at the time of this writing.

Skype

Microsoft records everything that goes through it, EVERYTING.

Takes large amounts of resources and is very slow. Sending files is very slow and videos are low quality probably because of all the analysis microsoft/NSA does on them.

Use Tox when it comes out instead.