What i don't get about java is the fact that so many websites that i visit alot, need it (i think they need it, since the Java console pops up in the corner) and i've never used Java before in my life til i downloaded the latest version a couple of days ago.

(Well used it with Opera a year back with the release of v3.6, but my computer never seemed to use it)

Now i don't see any differences with the pages that want Java now, and didn't have the option before because it wasn't installed, is Java important for webpages or not and can i disable it and keep it for programs programed in Java only?

Sometimes the Java console takes alittle time to load up and slows down my system, thats how i know i'm visiting a Java enabled site

Sometimes it crashs, rarely though, can someone tell me in detail what Java should and should not do as a part of my system?

I'll be very much obliged!