Java Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Important: Update Java (or remove it) now to keep your computer safe from hackers

Posted on January 22, 2015

It’s no secret that Java is one of the most insecure pieces of software that you can have on your computer. That’s why the Department of Homeland Security recommended that everyone simply remove Java from their computers a couple of years ago.

If you need to keep Java installed on your computer because you still visit websites that use it (thankfully, those sites are quite rare these days), you need to update the Java software on your computer immediately because Oracle has just released an update that patches no less than 19 new security holes!

For what it’s worth, I don’t have Java installed on ANY of my computers since I don’t visit any websites that use it. That being said, perhaps you do. If so, I recommend that you click here to update Java from the official Java website.

How to remove Java from your PC

Posted on January 13, 2013

java Java is a programming language that was used heavily by web developers back in the early days of the World Wide Web, but over the years it has largely been replaced by newer, safer and more powerful technologies.

A smattering of websites still use bits and pieces of Java code (not to be confused with Java Script) to accomplish certain tasks, but this is becoming ever more rare by the day.

Although Java is rarely used these days, most users will still find that it has been installed on their computers. This is now a huge problem because of a serious security hole in the Java core that has recently been discovered. You can read more about the flaw and why the Department of Homeland Security is recommending that Java be removed from all PCs right here if you’re interested.

If you’d rather skip the “why” and get straight to uninstalling Java from your computer, you’ll find instructions for doing so below. Be sure to remove all instances of Java found in the list of installed programs if you see more than one. [Read more…]