Flash Player and Java Runtime updates

[JLS]

I use Avast anti=virus freeware program. There is a feature in the program that I can scan for outdated software. When I scanned my computer using that feature in Avast, it found flash player activeX, flash player plugin, and java runtime environment. I am unsure what is the best way to update all of these without causing any issues or conflicts. It also found updates for quicktiime (which I don't really use) and skype. Can I just click the update button in Avast AV for all of what it has found to update them without causing any issues with what I update?

[Midknyte]

Flash has its own updater, but you might not have installed it. Note that there are separate installers for IE (ActiveX) and Plugin Flash. When installing the latest version, choose either "Allow Adobe to install updates" or "Notify me to install updates"
You can download the latest versions here:
https://www.adobe.com/products/flash...ribution3.html

Java also has an updater, if you didn't disable it. Current version is 8u45. There may be older versions on your system. Unless you have an app that requires the older version, you should uninstall them.
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/ja...iew/index.html

[JLS]

Midknyte, which one do I select for IE and Firefox (EXE or MSI installer) in the link you provided? Can I just install the newer versions over current versions without uninstalling the current versions already installed?

[Midknyte]

You can install the .exes. MSI is more for network deployments. You can install the newer version over the old ones without uninstalling.

[JLS]

I just updated the flash player for firefox and IE.

How do I update the java? Do I just click on "update now" at the bottom of the update section in the java control panel? I went into the java control panel and "check for updates automatically" box is checked with "before downloading" in the box next to notify me.

[Midknyte]

You can click the "Update Now" button from the Java Control Panel. The other settings are fine. It should have notified you about the update, unless you disabled it from Startup/Msconfig.

[JLS]

My OS is win xp pro. I clicked update now from the java control panel and a popup window appeared that said "java 8 requires a new version of windows. You may continue with the installation but for Java to work as specified we recommend upgrading your computer's operating system."

I suppose I can't update Java?

[Midknyte]

Ah, XP. What version of Java are you running now? 7? You can at least update to the latest version of that.

[JLS]

I'm running Java version 7 update 72 right now. What should I do?

[Midknyte]

Java SE Runtime Environment 7u80 is the last version for Java7. You should at least upgrade to that.
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/ja...s-1880261.html

[JLS]

Which windows version should I select from the list?

[Midknyte]

Windows x86 Offline 28.14 MB jre-7u80-windows-i586.exe

[SpywareDr]

Are you sure you even need Java? If not, uninstall it. If and when you ever do need it, you can always download the latest version.

[JLS]

I have it disabled. When I need it, I enable it and then disable it after I am done doing whatever required it. I think it is required to print coupons online which I do from time to time. I am not sure but, I am pretty certain it is required for printing coupons. Hmmm, it got me thinking. I always use chrome when I print coupons and chrome doesn't use java.

[Midknyte]

Obviously you need to verify if you need Java at all. I would still keep the last download of Java7 somewhere. They are going to be taking it offline eventually.