What is Jusched.exe Anyway?

Lots of people have seen the Jusched.exe process running on their computer, and not known whether it's supposed to be there or not. Rest assured, it's not a malicious program, but it may be unnecessary.

For those of you who didn't already know it, Jusched.exe is the abbreviated title of Java's integral update scheduler. The Jusched applet is installed by Sun Microsystems' Java in order to check for updates related to Java handling, which it does on a pre-determined time schedule. At the same time, it also controls such other important Java features as runtime environment and internet browsing, as well as downloading and installing them whenever they are produced or, by default, once a month. Jusched is installed as a service and is programmed to start automatically.
So how do I turn it on and off?

The Jusched process is basically non-essential, as perceived by most computer owners. Further, the Jusched.exe process is guilty of taking up valuable disc space, an argument that may seem valid, until you discover how little space Jusched takes up: around 3 MB.

Those super-diligent computer owners who choose to terminate the Jusched program should only do so in the knowledge that in doing so, they will prevent automatic updates to Java.

In order to terminate, all that is required is

1. open up the Java Control Panel and uncheck the "Check for Updates Automatically" option.
2. Java will then give you the option to set the scheduler to be monthly instead of the default weekly.
3. to permanently remove the presence of the updater, click on "Never Update."

Controlling jusched via the MSCONFIG Menu

If you want to control other startup items, including the jusched process, you can manage all of them in one menu.  It's called the MS-config menu, and you can reach it by clicking the Start Button >> Run.  When the Run menu appears, type "msconfig" without the quote marks.

When the MSCONFIG menu pops up, click on the "startup" tab.  Here you an optionally disable or enable any of the applications that are set to run aromatically when you boot your computer.  The fewer programs that try to shoulder their way onto your computer, the faster your bootup.  Note that all of the programs listed here are non-vital.  You an disable all of them and suffer no ill consequences, it just prevents helping apps and auto-updaters (like jusched.exe) from starting by themselves.

A Note on Java

Java is a very important platform for your web browser. That being said, you may not see a need to update it every time Java comes out with one minor improvement. That being said, it's recommended that you entertain some updates, so that when Java publishes fixes or security updates, you and your browser will be fully equipped to handle oncoming issues.