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Don’s Computer Security Update — aka, get rid of Java!

Forums General Melanoma Community Don’s Computer Security Update — aka, get rid of Java!

  • Post
    DonW
    Participant

      Some of us had an old version of Java on our computers in order to use the old (new defunct) MPIP chat room. Despite considering myself computer savvy, I managed to contract malware that exploited a security flaw in this program. You might remember that newer versions of java broke the chat room, so I had the older, unpatched, version for that reason. I have now uninstalled Java completely from my computer and haven't had any situations where it was needed. So….I recommend everyone uninstall java on their computers using the "add or remove program" control panel.

      Some of us had an old version of Java on our computers in order to use the old (new defunct) MPIP chat room. Despite considering myself computer savvy, I managed to contract malware that exploited a security flaw in this program. You might remember that newer versions of java broke the chat room, so I had the older, unpatched, version for that reason. I have now uninstalled Java completely from my computer and haven't had any situations where it was needed. So….I recommend everyone uninstall java on their computers using the "add or remove program" control panel. You'll be glad you did.

       

      http://blogs.technet.com/b/mmpc/archive/2010/10/18/have-you-checked-the-java.aspx

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    • Replies
        dian in spokane
        Participant

          what if I have a newer java ??

            DonW
            Participant

              Well you can read the article, which seems to say that you'd be OK with the most current version. But I've found I have no need whatever for Java, so it's gone from my computer.

              Janner
              Participant

                Sometime soon, if you surf at all, you will hit a website that uses Java.  If you don't have the Java virtual machine installed on your computer, you will not see that portion of the webpage.  You will also be prompted to install Java for that reason.  Java is pretty prevalent on pages that have any type of animation or complicated interactions.  There is only so much you can do with straight HTML for webpages.  Java is becoming more prevalent on pages, not less.  You can advise everyone to delete Java, but if you surf a lot, do any type of online gaming, or visit pages with complex interactions…. you might just be shooting yourself in the foot.

                Janner
                Participant

                  Sometime soon, if you surf at all, you will hit a website that uses Java.  If you don't have the Java virtual machine installed on your computer, you will not see that portion of the webpage.  You will also be prompted to install Java for that reason.  Java is pretty prevalent on pages that have any type of animation or complicated interactions.  There is only so much you can do with straight HTML for webpages.  Java is becoming more prevalent on pages, not less.  You can advise everyone to delete Java, but if you surf a lot, do any type of online gaming, or visit pages with complex interactions…. you might just be shooting yourself in the foot.

                  DonW
                  Participant

                    Well you can read the article, which seems to say that you'd be OK with the most current version. But I've found I have no need whatever for Java, so it's gone from my computer.

                  dian in spokane
                  Participant

                    what if I have a newer java ??

                    lhaley
                    Participant

                      I will attempt to do that! Thanks

                      Linda

                      lhaley
                      Participant

                        I will attempt to do that! Thanks

                        Linda

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