windows - Why is Java running on my PC when I never use it?

Java runs constantly. Is it needed? I did not install it. No one else uses my laptop; a Dell Inspiron N5010. I don’t do any Java programming. Don’t know how it got there; I believe that are versions 7 & 8 are installed. Only use the laptop for Internet Explorer, Excel, Word, AOL, Ask, Map Quest, online banking and a few games. I’m just an old disabled non-technical fart.