Java J2 SE Update 6

[janitha]

Two days ago I noticed there is a new icon in the takbar. When double clicked, it is shown as Java J2SE Update6. In the Add/Remove it was shown to consume 116MB. Thinking that it may be harmful, I have removed it. I dont know how it came into being.
I am using genuine XP Home with all critical updates, Open Office V2, Firefox, Avast, Win Defender, Zone Alarm, Spybot etc.

I hope somebody will elaborate.

[manas]

It is most probably the Java Runtime Environment which got installed with some software.It is of no harm.

It is used by browsers for running Java applets in some websites.

[janitha]

Originally Posted by manas

It is most probably the Java Runtime Environment which got installed with some software.It is of no harm.

It is used by browsers for running Java applets in some websites.

But IE and F Fox were there for the past several months.
Could it have got installed through Open Office? I had recently upgraded it to its latest version.
BTW, I read somewhere that Java Runtime is risky.

[manas]

Why will Java Runtime be risky?
You can always upgrade to a new version when a new vulnerability is found.
The latest version is JRE 5.0 Update 7.