For a while, Java had some security issues. As you noted, they were fixed… but not really. In fact, I still recommend avoiding Java, if possible. Uninstalling Java is the safest situation to be in; I don’t expect that to change any time soon.
But, I agree. Java can be a tad confusing because there are several parts to it.
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The problem with Java
Java is fixing their issues, but as they do, others are finding new problems, vulnerabilities, and bugs at roughly the same rate. And there are malware developers out there taking advantage of that. So while you might hear that bugs are being fixed, and that might even be true, that doesn’t mean everything is better.
But if a program requires Java, you need to use it. If this is your situation, I hope you are taking appropriate precautions.
Different versions of Java
One thing to remember is that the Java in your browser and the Java on your computer are actually two slightly different, yet related things.
When you install Java from within the web browser, it’s installing those components for the web browser. In fact, it’s probably installing the components for only that particular web browser.
In your case, if you’re running Opera and you install Java, it’s possible that Java was not installed in Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, or any other browser installed on your machine.
On top of that, many games and Java-based applications aren’t browser based; they’re actually Windows programs. Installing Java into your browser doesn’t necessarily install Java in Windows itself.
How to install Java
Rather than allowing the browser to install Java for you because it says there’s a plug in missing, go to Java.com and download the program there. It should install Java on your system as well as on every browser on your system.
Again, that is only if you have to do this.
I’m still uncomfortable with saying Java is safe because ongoing reports are simply that it is not. Even if they’re fixing bugs, there are enough new vulnerabilities being found in Java on a regular basis that it’s still vulnerable.
If you can avoid Java, you should.
When trying to disable “java” in my FF, it shows “Java Deployment Toolkit” and “Java (TM) Platform”. There is no single “java”, so which one is the risk? Or both?
In reply to Bob Price, there are myriad versions of Java – none of them are actually any good. It is after all, an Oracle product – says it all.
Refuse to buy or use any software or websites which require Java.
I face some problem while installing Jav.a, prompting me to install it offline. How do I do it
Like Leo said in the article, just go to Java.com, download and install.
Recently, I bought Galaxy Note II and to synchronize it with the laptop I had to install Kies Air from Samsung. And guess what? I can’t synchronize both without installing Java – 7 Update 25-. I tried to work around a solution without avail. Well, a half solution is plugging the Note as a USB device and synchronize manually; but this isn’t the idea. Crossing my fingers since I can’t get rid of Java. By the way, I really enjoy your good work teaching us new things in every column. I bought my first computer, Apple IIE and an Imagewriter II printer, in 1983-85. Still in working conditions. Thanks.
I just bought a Galaxy S4. My last phone automatically connected to my computer by bluetooth, but this is requiring Kies Air. But, Kies won’t run without Java and Java won’t download to my Windows 8 computer. Any suggestions?
Unfortunately I don’t have a good answer for you. I’d probably have you check with the company you purchased it from (presumably your mobile phone provider) to see if they have any suggestions.
I recently cleaned my computer out of everything then downloaded java and at the the end of my download it says it failed even though I open my programs and it’s there. (I have windows) I use the thing to see if I have java and says I do but when I run java based games they do not work. I also cannot find it in my uninstall programs.
See this article on Ask Leo!
Why is Java telling me it’s not installed when it is?
I installed it the way It says to in How To Install Java and it still does not work. Please help.