java version "1.6.0_65"
    Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_65-b14-462-11M4609)
    Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 20.65-b04-462, mixed mode)

On an Intel Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks 10.9.5, why do I need Java at all if I don’t play interactive games? What’s the relationship between the “Java Applet 14.9.0” in the Add-ons Manager, the “Java Runtime Environment” and “Java 8 update 45”? Why is there so much discussion about conflicts between newer Java versions and version 6 (??) installed by the Mac OS? The about:plugins window doesn’t tell me whether the actual plug-in or the “placeholder” is being used (see screenshot). “Check Your Plugins” says I need to update the JRE 6.0.65 (see first screenshot). In Terminal, I ran "java -version" and got the following: java version "1.6.0_65" Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_65-b14-462-11M4609) Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 20.65-b04-462, mixed mode) I do have the JavaAppletPlugin.plugin in /Library/Internet Plugins but there is no JavaControlPanel.prefpane in /Library/Preference Panes (see screenshot). I used Oracle’s “Verify Java Version” [ http://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp ] to try and find out if Java is installed: it says “Missing Plugin” (see screenshot). Is this because OS Mavericks is blocking the plug-in? I’ve read many references to a “Java Control Panel” in System Preferences. I don’t have one. Should I try to uninstall whatever Java is installed per their instructions [ http://www.java.com/en/download/help/mac_uninstall_java.xml ]? Is Java 8 stable? Should I install the whole Java 8 U45 package [ http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index-jsp-138363.html ], or just the JRE [ http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre8-downloads-2133155.html ]?