Java questions answered

Java, the programming language first developed by Sun Microsystems seven years ago for consumer devices such as set-top boxes, has been hyped using countless coffee puns as everything from a software developer's dream to a Windows killer.

Yet even after being supported by the Web's most popular browsers and spawning new industry niches devoted to the technology--including software from Marimba and an architecture for network computers from Sun and Oracle subsidiary NCI--questions remain about the workings and potential of Java. Why is it slow sometimes? Is it secure? Does it live up to its "write once, run anywhere" credo? Will it be as big a hit offline as it is on the Web?

CNET's special feature, "20 questions about Java," takes a crack at the answers to these and other niggles, such as the confusion regarding JavaScript, the components called JavaBeans, and the difficulties of living up to marketing promises. Will Java be everyone's cup of tea in the software and Internet industries? To get the full answer, you first have to know more about the question.

[Chellz813]

I have the latest install for java and flash player, but when i go to Tools , internet options, in the advance tab there isn't any view of me even having Java Installed? I believe this is cause me to not have some images on my emails? Please can some one help me figure this one out? I am using it on my laptop.