Is Java installed by default?

Question

I'm asking this because Libre Office was pre-installed and some of it's features require Java. I don't want Java because of a malicious remote administration tool (RAT) called jRAT and there are also others. But with this even a script kiddie can take control of my computer.

Answer 1

Simple answer, Java is not installed by default in any Ubuntu system (in fact this goes against the Java distribution policy, that's why is being included in the non-free repository).

You can check the packages manifest of any version of Ubuntu, and you will notice that it does not include either JDK nor Java.

Precise Pangolin package manifest:

http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/precise/ubuntu-12.04.3-desktop-i386.manifest

Raring Ringtail package manifest:

http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/raring/ubuntu-13.04-desktop-i386.manifest

You can search the list up and down, and you will find no reference to Java (please don't confuse with JavaScript, that is different).

_{(Links are thanks to our friend Oli)}

• How does LibreOffice run, then?

  libreoffice suggest the package java-runtime for some specifics functions but isn't necessary the complete Java Virtual Machine. It also includes their very own packages with Java classes, scripts, and config snippets called libreoffice-java-common, but not all the suite require the packages (only writer and base). Hence, you can use most of LO without even installing Oracle's Java or openJDK.

• Do you just mean Oracle Java is not installed? Is OpenJDK also not present?

  This was answered above:

  You can check the packages manifest of any version of Ubuntu, and you will notice that it does not include either JDK nor Java.

• Are the differences between Oracle Java and OpenJDK from a security perspective are pretty small?

  According to Thomas Pornin from Security.SE, yes, the differences are none. Both share lots of code, which made them both vulnerable. There was even a case where Ubuntu was affected by one vulnerability which right now is fixed. _{(non citatory)}

  You can read his full answer (along others) here.

Hope this address all inquiries.