I seem to have Java installed on my desktop today, I did not request it and am not sure I want/need it. Any ideas as to where this originated from - i.e. visiting wrong sites etc. and should I leave it there or uninstall it.

Thanks.

ps could it have come via Norton my virus guard?

Java is a normal runtime package for most folks. With the exception of Internet Explorer 11 I can't think of a single web browser that doesn't use it. Even IE 11 can be coaxed into using it despite Microsoft's desire to stamp it out.

It could be from a game. I know of at least one freeware game that uses it.
If you installed Open Office, Java could have installed with that.
Java and Javascript are different beasts, despite the similarity in the name. But it's possible for websites to use either one.

Java isn't malware, and can be useful. But you need to keep it up to date and install the security fixes. It's had some serious security vulnerabilities.

Thanks you IAZ and Jenny100, I wasn't sure, I probably had Java already and it was updated, I had just not noticed it, but when it announced itself and said it was restarting my computer in order to install I was somewhat worried that I had picked up a virus.