[Ham-Computers] RE: Sun Java

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

The "latest" Sun Java runtime environment (aka "JRE") is version 6 update 7.  It can be found here:

http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/?intcmp=1281

Scroll down to "Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 7" and click "download".

As to the previous versions, it's a bit "sticky".  Java "updates", but doesn't un-install previous versions.  So if you have Java auto-updates enabled, you might find several successive versions of Java installed.  The "sticky" part is that some apps hard-code the path to whatever is the "current" version when you installed the app.  Once you un-install that version of Java, the app that hardcoded the path may no longer work - at least until you re-install the app.  It's basically poor programming by the app vendor to hardcode a path.

Anyways, I usually un-install all traces of Java except for the current version.  I also go to the Java folder and delete the previous version folders.  Again, keep in mind that you may need to re-install an app so it picks-up the path of the latest version of Java you've installed.

BTW, there are some backwards compatibility issues with Java versions, but no more than other apps - just look for a more recent version of the app.


73,

  - Aaron


-----Original Message-----
From: ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of jandlmiller at bellsouth.net
Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 4:38 PM
To: Ham_Computers
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Sun Java

I just received a US-CERT National Cyber Alert System, Cyber Security Alert SA08-193A dealing with Sun Java.

These questions for discussion:

1. The recommendation is clear: disable Java in Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox and details are provided about to do so in each browser.

My question: Is such a disable a good idea, and what might/would not work if I did so?

2.  Using Start/Control Panel/Add-Remove I see the following: 

On one XP (laptop) I find Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_0

On one XP (desktop) I find all of these:
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 2
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 4
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 6
Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_05
Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_06

My questions:
1. May I assume the laptop, that has auto updates turned on for Java, is where it should be?

2. Is it safe to use Add-Remove in the Control Panel to get rid of all on the desktop EXCEPT the v1.4.2_06?

John W0IKT

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