Do you use Java runtime on your pc? better read this.

[Western]

Thought those that use java on their pc may be interested in this short alert article

US government advises computer users to disable Java software | Fox News

Copied in case the page link is moved.


US government advises computer users to disable Java software

Published January 12, 2013

Associated Press

javawarning.jpg

April 23, 2007: The Java logo is shown at Sun Microsystems' offices in Menlo Park, Calif. (AP)

WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is advising people to temporarily disable the Java software on their computers to avoid potential hacking attacks.

The recommendation came in an advisory issued late Thursday, following up on concerns raised by computer security experts.

Experts believe hackers have found a flaw in Java's coding that creates an opening for criminal activity and other high-tech mischief.

Java is a widely used technical language that allows computer programmers to write a wide variety of Internet applications and other software programs that can run on just about any computer's operating system.

Oracle Corp. bought Java as part of a $7.3 billion acquisition of the software's creator, Sun Microsystems, in 2010.

Oracle, which is based in Redwood Shores, Calif., had no immediate comment late Friday.

 

[Ken]

Thought those that use java on their pc may be interested in this short alert article

US government advises computer users to disable Java software | Fox News

Copied in case the page link is moved.


US government advises computer users to disable Java software

Published January 12, 2013

Associated Press

javawarning.jpg

April 23, 2007: The Java logo is shown at Sun Microsystems' offices in Menlo Park, Calif. (AP)

WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is advising people to temporarily disable the Java software on their computers to avoid potential hacking attacks.

The recommendation came in an advisory issued late Thursday, following up on concerns raised by computer security experts.

Experts believe hackers have found a flaw in Java's coding that creates an opening for criminal activity and other high-tech mischief.

Java is a widely used technical language that allows computer programmers to write a wide variety of Internet applications and other software programs that can run on just about any computer's operating system.

Oracle Corp. bought Java as part of a $7.3 billion acquisition of the software's creator, Sun Microsystems, in 2010.

Oracle, which is based in Redwood Shores, Calif., had no immediate comment late Friday.

Dennis turned mine off and thanks for the alert saw this on news also.

Certain types of computer users need to public destroy there computer with a sledge hammer.
then study another line of work,
ken

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Last year, I got a pop-up window message that my Java needed updating. I clicked on the "update", and the next thing I knew I had a virus that completely trashed my computer...even had to replace my hard drive. Don't know for absolute certainty that the Java update scenario was the culprit, but it's certainly a person of interest.

 

[Bird]

I saw the news article, but for us computer dummies, how do you turn it off without just deleting it? And I wonder how many other things won't work after you turn off Java.

 

[mbohuntr]

Dennis turned mine off and thanks for the alert saw this on news also.

Certain types of computer users need to public destroy there computer with a sledge hammer.
then study another line of work,
ken

How did you turn it off? I have version 6. Thanks

 

[Bird]

How did you turn it off? I have version 6. Thanks

Try clicking on "Tools", then "Manage Add-ons" and scroll down to Java and see if it's enabled or disabled. At least that's what I did and find 3 versions listed, all of which show "disabled". If I go to the official U.S time it needs Java and will ask if I want to "allow" it. Doing so still leaves it disabled when I leave that website.

 

[texasjohn]

Info on web site below...can stay with Java 6 or disable it.
Disable instructions included below.

Zero-Day Exploit of Java 7 Prompts Recommendation to Disable Java - Computer Services Help Desk - Missouri State University

 

[Ken]

I saw the news article, but for us computer dummies, how do you turn it off without just deleting it? And I wonder how many other things won't work after you turn off Java.

Bird go to Control panel. select programs and scroll to Java. then in security remove the auto update from Box to no undate choose other panels and remove remote access check box.
read any other boxes for others ability to access your computer.
If you cannot update then malware cannot access your machine.
I also keep my AVG at max.on incoming information. Then most all received e-mail put in junk folder and block domain to stop further messages .
Besides the young finger flickers seldom pick on us old codgers it is the young eager beavers wanting a freebe.to make there life easier. Then give away there bank account # and SS # and use there dogs name as security check.
ken

 

[Bird]

Thanks, Ken. I've got Java 6 & 7, but both disabled for now.

 

[Willl]

Been running Firefox with the NoScript add-on for a while now.

NoScript handles which web sites get to use Java and which don't via my discretion.

I miss out on some flashy adverts but oh well, my loss.