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Re: [OM] How to disable Java on your Windows computer (version 2)

Subject: Re: [OM] How to disable Java on your Windows computer (version 2)
From: "Jim Nichols" <jhnichols@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2013 20:28:19 -0600
Chuck,

Many thanks!  My last removal item hung up, but I finally got it all done, 
and have the latest version installed.

Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chuck Norcutt" <chucknorcutt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Olympus mail list" <olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2013 6:59 PM
Subject: [OM] How to disable Java on your Windows computer (version 2)


> Note: This is a revised version of instructions I previously wrote on
> how to disable Java on your Windows computer.  The instructions as
> originally written might not work properly if you already had certain
> older versions of Java on your computer.  Even if you installed the
> latest version the older version might mask the presence of the latest
> one.  To make matters worse the Java control panel on the older version
> has a different appearance and doesn't match the instructions.  Sorry if
> any of this caused you some confusion.  Let's try again.
>
>
> BACKGROUND OF THE JAVA PROBLEM
> Java is a programming language supported by Oracle Corp. that is
> commonly used in internet browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox,
> Chrome and others.  Java is one of many "extensions" or "plug-ins" that
> provide added function to the browser.
>
> Unfortunately,  older and current versions of Java have a security
> defect that will allow malicious "malware" to quietly take over control
> of your computer.  You will never know it happened because it has no
> obvious characteristics and current anti-virus software is unlikely to
> find the possibly hundreds or thousands of variations of malware that
> will likely spring up to take advantage of the defect.  Some are already
> for sale on the internet to anyone who'd like to steal your information
> or otherwise take surreptitious control of your computer.
>
> To be clear, the Java "problem" is not a virus... Java itself is a good
> thing when it works as it's supposed to.  Rather the Java "problem" is
> that it's a security "hole" in Java that can allow a virus and other
> types of malware to sneak onto your computer.  The analogy is really too
> simple but, if you considered Java like one of many gates in a fence
> protecting your computer, the Java "problem" is that the Java gate has a
> hole in it.
>
> The solution it to disable Java until a safe version is available (which
> some say could take as long as 2 years).  But do be aware that some
> internet sites you presently use may no longer work or work properly if
> they are dependent on Java.  For example, my wife Peg uses a crossword
> puzzle website to print a weekly puzzle.  The site is:
> <http://www.sundaycrosswords.com/ccpuz/MPuz.php>  If Java is disabled,
> as soon as you visit this site you will be presented with a big gray
> square with a message stating that "A plug-in is needed to display this
> content".  It then offers to install the plug-in for you.  It doesn't
> tell you but the plug-in is Java. Do *not* accept the invitation.  Even
> if you actually do want to use this site it's not necessary to
> re-install Java.  You just need to return to the Java control panel to
> re-enable it.
>
> The question is... should you re-enable it to use this or some other web
> site you like?  If it's this site the answer is no.  It's not worth the
> risk to print a free cross-word puzzle.  It's especially true for this
> website since, if you do re-enable Java for this site the next thing you
> see is another message asking you if it's OK to run this application. If
> you see a message like this then say "no" and quit the website.  The
> reason for the permission message is that the application did not
> present adequate security credentials that would identify who created
> it.  In simpler words... it cannot be trusted because it's asking for
> access to your computer and hard drive but can't or won't identify
> itself according to internet security standards.
>
> But what if the website you're trying to use is your bank and the
> banking application you normally use won't run because Java is disabled.
>  That's a harder question.  If you really need to use it I would call
> the bank.  Express your concern for the Java security problem and ask if
> their Java application is safe to use.  If they say "yes" then re-enable
> Java and give it a try.  But, if you see the same type of pop-up message
> asking permission to run, then stop believing the bank.  It's quite
> possible that their web site has been infected with an imposter
> application that can't identify its owner as your bank.  Let's hope that
> doesn't happen... but it might.
>
> =====================================================================
> So, on to how to disable Java
> =====================================================================
>
> (1) The first step to disabling Java is to display the Windows Control 
> panel
>
> For Windows XP:  Click on "Start" (at lower left corner) then "Settings"
> then "Control Panel"
>
> For Windows 7:  Click on "Start" (the circular Windows icon at lower
> left corner) then "Control Panel".  At upper right you will see a pull
> down menu "View by: Category".  Click on "Category" and then on "Large
> Icons" in the pull down menu items.  This will display all of the
> control panel icons rather than just the categories of items.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> (2) The second step is to remove any and all old versions of Java.
>
> For Windows XP: Double-click on the "Add or Remove Programs" icon
>
> For Windows 7:  Click on the "Programs and Features" icon
>
> These are simply different names for the same thing.  For both versions
> Windows will display a long list of all the programs installed on your
> computer.  Be patient.. it may take several minutes to display the
> entire list on older computers.
>
> Once the list is displayed (in alphabetical order) scroll down the list
> looking for anything whose name starts with "Java".  If the only thing
> you see is called "Java 7 Update 11" you already have (as of 1/26/2013)
> the latest version of Java and can jump ahead to Step 3.
>
> Any Java item you see whose version number is less than 7 is old and
> needs to be deleted by "uninstalling" it.  Even if the version number is
> also 7 but has an update number less than 11 it's also old and needs to
> be uninstalled.  It's possible there may be several of these old Java
> entries.  For each one to be removed start first by selecting it with a
> single click.  After the click:
>
> For Windows XP:  You will see a small, highlighted information panel
> displayed for the entry.  It usually consists of several lines.  At the
> lower right corner of the panel will be a button labeled "Remove". Click
> the "Remove" button and that particular Java entry will be uninstalled.
>
> For Windows 7:  Perform a right click on the Java line item you want to
> remove.  You will see a tiny pop-up item labeled "Uninstall".  Click on
> the "Uninstall" item and the Java entry will be uninstalled.  Also for
> Windows 7 you may see another pop-up panel asking you to verify whether
> you agree to removing this program.  Click "Yes" to continue.
>
> Now do the same for any other Java items you see listed *unless* it's
> "Java 7 Update 11" (or possibly a later version with higher numbers)
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> (3) The third step.  Once all old Java items have been uninstalled you
> can return to the detailed control panel icon display.
>
> For Windows XP:  Click on the "X" in the upper right corner of the
> programs listing window.  The window will close and reveal the control
> panel icons window underneath.
>
> For Windows 7: Click on the blue and white "back arrow" (<-) at upper
> left.  This will return you to the "All Control Panel Items" display.
>
> Next, for both Windows versions:
>
> Now that the control panel icons are displayed look for one called
> "Java" (the icon is a red, white and blue steaming cup of coffee).  If
> you do find a Java control panel icon it should be for the Java 7 update
> 11 version or later.  That's the one we said we could keep back in step
> 2.  That doesn't mean it's safe but, if you have one of these later
> versions of Java, you can skip ahead to step 5.
>
> (4)  Step 4 is in case you don't see a Java Control panel icon in the
> Windows control panel.  It means that you have successfully removed all
> Java versions.  But, in order to continue, it's necessary to update to
> the (still dangerous) latest level which can be found here:
> <http://www.java.com/en/download/inc/windows_new_xpi.jsp?locale=en>
>
> Click on the link above (which takes you to the Java download page) and
> then on the red "Install" button on the Java download page.  You will be
> prompted for a place to save the installation file.  Remember where you
> put it since, after the download completes, you must find the file and
> double click on its name to cause it to install the latest version of 
> Java.
>
> After the installation completes you should exit your browser and
> restart it.  This allows the browser to note that a later version of
> Java has been installed. This latest version of Java will install the
> missing Java control panel which is required to perform step 5.  You can
> now continue with the instructions below and use the newly installed
> Java control panel to disable what you just installed.  Yes, that's
> right... to disable what you just installed.
>
> (5) Step 5.  Return to the Windows control panel and to the Java control
> panel within it (see Step 1 above). We want to click on the Java control
> panel icon to cause the Java control panel to open.
>
> For Windows XP:  Double click the Java control panel icon.
>
> For Windows 7:  A single click is enough
>
> Be patient, the Java control panel can be a bit sluggish in responding.
> When it finally opens you will see 5 tabs at top.  Click on the
> "Security" tab and then (at the top) *uncheck* the box next to "Enable
> Java content in the browser" by clicking on the box.  After turning the
> check mark off click on "Apply" (at lower right) and then click on "OK".
>  If you are running Windows 7 it may pop up a couple of "Are you sure
> you want to do this" sort of warning messages.  Say "Yes".  You're done.
>  Java is disabled for all browsers.
>
> If you need to re-enable Java (for example, to use your banking
> application) then return to the Windows and Java control panels (Step 1)
> and repeat the instructions above (Step 5) but click the check mark
> again to turn Java back on.  Don't forget to click "apply" and "OK" to
> actually make it happen.  When you get through with your bank or other
> extremely important application (so important you're willing to take a
> risk)... remember to turn Java off again.
> =====================================================================
>
> Chuck Norcutt
> Jan 26, 2013
>
>
>
>
>
> -- 
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