Java Updates - request to download: is this Okay?

[GinnyinSeattle]

Every once in a while, I get notification that tells me "Ready to Download - Java Updates. Updates are available to be dowloaded to your computer by Java Update. For optimal security and performance, it is recommended that you download these updates now.    J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0, and J2SE Runtime Environment 1.5.0_06-b05"    I have no idea what Java Updates are, although I suspect that it's nothing I really need or want.  Is this a Microsoft-driven intrusion, or a valid download?  Am I being overly suspicious?   :-/  Thanks for anyone's experience with this message!!

[GX1_Man]

It's not Microsoft, but rather an update to the Java you installed from somewhere to run some program. Look in Add/Remove Programs for Java Runtime Environment or JRE. You'll see something there, I'm sure.

[Peccavi]

It should not be dangerous. Java is required to view some of the web contents.

[soybean]

That Java comes from Sun Microsystems.  For info and/or to update, visit http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp
Here's an example of a web page which requires Java; this page is for testing Internet connection speed for broadband (cable or DSL) users.  To run the test, the Start button must be clicked on.  It will not work unless Java is installed.