If you still use Java, and particularly if Java is enabled in Internet Explorer, it’s important to keep it up to date. Security vulnerabilities in Java are still a somewhat popular target for malicious hackers and malware purveyors.

If you’re not sure whether Java is even installed on your computer, look for a Java entry in the Windows Control Panel. If you see one, Java is installed. The Java Control Panel has an Update tab that allows you to check for pending updates and install the latest version.

You can check whether Java is enabled in Internet Explorer by using that browser to visit Oracle’s Verify Java Version page.

Oracle issues quarterly updates for a wide range of software products, and that includes Java. The July 2019 update describes ten security vulnerabilities that are addressed in the latest version of Java, 8 update 221.