FINALLY an easy way to keep Java up to date on your computer

Java is an application (technically a Virtual Machine) that runs on your computer to enable other little applications to run in your web browser. It needs to be updated regularly to fix significant security vulnerabilities that can leave you open to attack.

Problem is, it's always been very difficult to find out if you need an update (it's a SUN product, so Microsoft Updates won't alert you) and even worse, if you do update, it leaves the old insecure version behind!

The good news is, Sun has finally released an update mechanism that solves both of these problems. Thanks to a Solo Technology post, I can point you to a link which will allow you to automatically check whether your Java is up to date. If it's not, the page will offer you the appropriate download, which will also remove the old version in the process.

Watch out in the installation steps - you'll be offered the Yahoo Toolbar which you'll almost certainly want to decline. It's offered purely as a money-making option for Sun. After completing installation, you'll need to restart your browser to complete the install.

It's now easy to do and well worth the small effort as a way to plug yet another potential hole in many users' security. Go take the test!

Comments

[Chris K]

Not just the Yahoo! toolbar. I also got offered the MSN toolbar too.

I hate that junk. I understand the economic reasons behind it, but I always cry a little when I see someone's browser with 7 different toolbars... "Oh, trying some 'free' open source software lately?" *sigh*

[Marn, eh]

Paul, thanks so much for that! I was shocked to see that my java was 1.something, many generations below the update.

Thanks, too, for the tips about the door. I'll mention them to my spousal unit on the weekend.

Welcome back. It's great to see you posting again :)

[Light & Dark]

@Chris, I'm with you on the frustration of all the toolbar crap the Open Source software offers up, but like you, I consider it the "price" for the project. Unfortunately, too many less-experienced users don't realise it truly is optional and should be declined.

So folks, whenever you're installing software, always be on the lookout for these opt-in checkboxes offering more "stuff" Unless you're sure you know what it is and have a use for it, decline it.

@Marn, glad you found it useful. I know I have.