I always thought of Java as an idle thing that just sits out the way
trying not to bring attention to itself until called. Bit like McDonalds
staff.

But a server I'm on, with no gui (unless I start it manually, which I
haven't) fresh booted and logged into the console.

Java comes at the top of 'top', not a lot of cpu, but I wouldn't of
expected it to be there at all, but it is permanently top.

Then while sat staring gormlessly wondering what is likely to be invoking
java at this time, another of the buggers popped up. Then a short time
later a whole coach load (5) turned up for a few moments.

So, since when has RH been using Java scripting in place of one of the
more standard Linux scripting languages. I don't mean Java isn't a
standard, but would you of expected to see it being used by the system?