Java Resources

Installing Java | Java Security | Programs & Applets | Learning More | About JavaScript

Update Java After Removing Older Versions

A Vulnerability is noted for Java version 7 and earlier. This exploit allows malicious code to move outside Java's “sandbox” (Java's security protection) — technical overview.

The attack can be induced if someone visits a Web site that's been set up with malicious code to take advantage of the hole.
— cnet.com

To secure your computer you'll need to uninstall all current versions, then update to the most recent version available.

You don't need to uninstall Java (it is necessary for LibreOffice, OpenOffice.org and other software to run on your computer) but I recommend diabling Java on web browsers — enabling it for trusted sites only. Java is blocked by default on Apple devices.

What is Java?

Oracle defines Java as a programming language and computing platform first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995.

Java is most visible in online games such as those on Pogo.com and similar sites as well as many phone- and tablet-based applications. However there are mainstream Java-based applications such as LibreOffice and OpenOffice.org. Java is now owned by Oracle, an established company long associated with corporate software rather than consumer software, which purchased Sun, the originator of Java.

Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Java is a Cross-Platform Environment

Java is a cross-platform environment used to create regular programs that can run on virtually any operating system and on thousands of other devices. The only requirement is that a Java virtual machine (JVM) or Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is available for the operating system or device.

Java's "run anywhere" merely requires that a device or operating system have a Java interface (the JVM or JRE) that translates Java into something the operating system or device can understand.

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Installing Java

Update to the Most Recent Version

Because security vulnerabilities are discovered all the time, it is recommended that you regularly update to the latest Java version and ensure older ones are removed.

Download Java

Download the latest version of Java for your operating system:

Java for Linux

Java for Mac

32-Bit Recommended

Both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) computers currently depend upon 32-bit browsers:

  1. Most 64-bit operating systems include a 64-bit browser.
  2. These 64-bit browsers have the potential for much faster browsing on 64-bit systems.
  3. However, most addons and plugins are only available for 32-bit browsers.

If you do install the 64-bit version of Java you'll need to ensure that you update both the 32- and 64-bit versions. See Which Java download should I choose for my 64-bit Windows operating system?

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Java Security

Since the inception of Java technology, there has been strong and growing interest around the security of the Java platform as well as new security issues raised by the deployment of Java technology.
— Java Security Architecture

Firefox & Java Security

Java blocked in Firefox browers

Firefox disables the Java plugin on computers running Windows with Firefox 17 or later running Java 7 Update 11 or earlier (the dark grey box on the right). Java warns you before allowing the vulnerability to be exploited.

Firefox displays a warning for Java 7 Update 13 when it is called on a website

You'll likely see a warning similar to the light grey one shown on the right for Java 7 Update 13 or later. Be sure to only allow Java to run on sites you trust.

Uninstalling Older Versions

You should always uninstall older versions of Java. Old and unsupported versions of Java are a serious security risk and can leave your system vulnerable.

Removing older versions of Java from your system ensures that Java applications will run with the most up-to-date security and performance improvements on your system.
—Oracle

Special Note to Windows XP Users

Microsoft Java Virtual Machine, Microsoft's Java "alternative" is no longer supported. Although Sun allowed for a transition period beginning in 2003, this period expired June 30, 2009 and MSJVM is now obsolete.

All Windows XP users need to download and install Oracle Java as Microsoft's built-in JVM is not safe to use.

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Java Programs and Applets

The most common use of Java is still small programs called applets, but there are Java programs, especially in the emerging phone and tablet markets.

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Learning More About Java

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About JavaScript

JavaScript is a scripting language primarily used to make websites dynamic such as creating rollovers and other effects. This use of JavaScript is sometimes referred to as Dynamic HTML (sometimes referred to as DHTML).

JavaScript is Not Java

While both Java and JavaScript are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. (now owned by Oracle), JavaScript is not Java.

Java uses applets or programs which need to be compiled to work while JavaScript uses text scripts to alter behaviour of text, images and links.

More About JavaScript

The following pages have more detailed information about JavaScript and how it differs from Java:

Using JavaScript in Web Design

For more information about JavaScript and how to use it to enhance your website, visit the Web Design Resources page.

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www.RussHarvey.bc.ca/resources/java.html
Updated: May 9, 2013