What exactly is Javascript?:

Javascript is a programming language that is used to make web pages interactive. It runs on your visitor's computer and so does not require constant downloads from your web site.

Are Javascript and Java the same?:

No, they are two completely different computer languages. Only their names are similar.

What do I need to run Javascript?:

Javascript support is built right into web browsers. Provided that the visitors to your site are using web browsers that support Javascript (most do) and have Javascript enabled (it is by default) then your Javascript will run. Do I need to learn Javascript to be able to use it?: No. There are plenty of Javascripts that have already been written that people have made available for you to plug straight into your web page. All you need to know to be able to use such scripts is how to paste the supplied code into the required places in your web page.

Can I use HTML instead of Javascript?:

No. HTML and Javascript are two completely different things. HTML is a markup language designed for defining static web page content. Javascript is a programming language designed for performing dynamic tasks.