Why is Java required?

[OliverPSE]

I cannot download the update because Java is required.  I have disabled and removed Java from all of my computers for obvious security reasons.  I am sure that many Flash Player users have done the same and now are excluded from updating and installing Flash Player.

[pwillener]

OliverPSE wrote:

I cannot download the update because Java is required.

Why do you say that; do you receive any message that indicates that?

Java is not required to download or install Flash Player.

[OliverPSE]

Pat:  Thank you for the response.  I am perflexed

1. Yesterday I received a notice that a Flash Player update was available -- probably when I tried to run a Flash video, but I cannot say for sure.  When I clicked "Yes" or whatever, it took me to what appeared to be a genuine Adobe website, but when I attempted a download, it said that Java was required for the download.  That seemed incredible to me, but I tried it several times with the same result.
2. Today, after receiving your message, I tried to replicate yesterdays appearance by running Flash videos, but I did not get an update notice.
3. Then, I went to the Adobe website and downloaded and installed the current version, 11.6.602.168 (for Win 7 32) and it worked without any Java needed message.  I am not sure what version was previously installed.
4. As for yesterday's experience, all I can say is that I smell a rat, but cannot prove anything.

[pwillener]

Is it possible that the download site mentioned JavaScript, rather than Java?

[OliverPSE]

Pat:  I was using Firefox, latest version.  As best I recall, the message said Java must be enabled, but maybe it said JavaScript -- I can't say for sure.  I had previously removed all Java add-ons/extensions from my Firefox, and also had uninstalled all Java installations from Windows.

[pwillener]

Many websites require JavaScript to be enabled to function correctly.

JavaScript is part of the browser, and is in no way related to Java, despite the similarity of the name.

[OliverPSE]

Pat:  Thank you.  Anyway, the question is moot since I have now downloaded and installed the most recent version of Flash and it seems to be running fine.  So, I believe this completes our discussion.