Updates Java

[emmie]

pop up boxes keep on reminding me to update Java and Adobe reader, is this necessary, if i am honest i don't even know what they are for.
i recall clicking yes to an update and it installed a tool bar which i didn't want. so had to ask for help to get rid of it, so i am now wary of installing anything.

[Ann]

Which controls watching YouTube videos? Java? I'm still having trouble getting them to play without stopping and starting and jerky speech.

[Khandro]

methyl; //It is very important to keep both Adobe and Java products up-to-date if you have them.//
I posted a similar question as the OP about a year ago. I still get these continual requests to update but just cancel them and seem to have suffered no deleterious effects. Why do you think it is important ?