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Topic: Firefox Update--Java compatibility? |
Brint Hannay
From:
Maryland, USA
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Posted 19 Jul 2007 7:43 am |
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I just got a pop-up informing me of a Firefox Update to 2.0.0.5. I installed it, and, as usual, another window said it was checking for compatibility of add-ons. It said Java Console 1.0.0.6 (or 6.0.0.1--I can't remember) was not compatible and no compatible versions were available. What is it and should I care, and if so what can I do about it?
Java is a vague shadowy concept to me. I don't really understand what it is/does. There are multiple differently worded and/or numbered items with "Java" in their names in my list of programs. Any explanation of what Java and its components are about would be much appreciated. |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 19 Jul 2007 9:23 am
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Go grab the latest version of Java (Version 6 Update 2) at www.java.com and install it. This is a security update that was just released.
Java is a web technology used by numerous websites for such things as real-time chats, games, graphs, among other useful displays. If you don't have Java at all you will see an icon indicating that a required plugin is missing. If you have an older version you are placing your computer at risk.
PS: Java updates still require you to Run As an Administrator to install an update. Bah Humbug! If you are not an Administrator follow the link to the Java downloads page, locate the version for your computer, then download the Offline install version. When it finishes downloading, right click on it and choose Run As, click on "The following user," select Administrator and type in the Administrator password and hit Enter. This will allow you to upgrade to the latest version without logging out. You will have to restart your browser before the new plugin will take.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Brint Hannay
From:
Maryland, USA
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Posted 19 Jul 2007 10:49 am
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On my Add or Remove Programs list I have now:
Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_03
Java (TM) SE Runtime Environment 6 Update 1
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 6
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 9
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 10
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 11
Do I remove these? |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 19 Jul 2007 3:01 pm
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| Brint Hannay wrote: |
On my Add or Remove Programs list I have now:
Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_03
Java (TM) SE Runtime Environment 6 Update 1
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 6
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 9
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 10
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 11
Do I remove these? |
Yes, please uninstall all old versions of Java, as they all have serious flaws that could be exploited if a hacker gains knowledge of their presence on your computer. You only need the current version. The same goes for Adobe Flash Player and it's ActiveX controls. Only keep the current version on your computer.
You should run the Secunia Software Inspector to see what insecure applications are present, and where they are located, on your computer. It works with Firefox, Opera and Internet Explorer.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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