Java install problem

Hi there,

Every few weeks, I seem to encounter the same problem. Running Firefox v20 under XP Pro sp2. But more often than not, I get an 'You need to update Java' message. Surely FFv20 has the latest Java version?

Anyway, follow the various links and usually I end up with error messages (see attachments.)Attachment 11399Attachment 11401 regarding Java 7 Update 21. Next came a message that Java7 Update 21 cannot be removed.

What does it all mean? How do I get around it? Why is it not automatic without all these bizarre questions?

Thanks

Rex

I would use this Java removal tool..

http://singularlabs.com/software/javara/

get rid of the current Java install and then install the latest from scratch. Close all browsers first.

Firefox doesn't come with Java.. it depends on the independent Java install to be able to have it as an add-on. Make sure it is enabled in tools>add-ons>Plugins.

Java should update automatically by default.

Thanks, I'll give that a try and post back.

Rex

Quote:

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Running Firefox v20 under XP Pro sp2

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Why are you only on SP2? You should really update to SP3 for security.
FF is on v21 now.

Java and Firefox are two separate things. Make sure you actually need Java. They have had a lot of security problems lately.

sp2; sorry, that's a typo, should read sp3! I know FF isnow v21 but since I only installed v20 a few weeks ago, and it took too long to sort out the compatibility issues, that I am happy to stick with what I have for the time being.

The link above took me to an MS FixIt download and removing java did allow me to reinstall the current version. As for do i need it, I have no idea but since it is used on 3 billion computer, phone and other devices, obviously, in the opinion of the Java head-honco, I do. What I do know is that I have the FF Flash block (is that the same?) and a lot of sites tell me that they detect that Java is not present or active. So I guess I have to live with it.

Rex

I'm with fink and Midnyte: Unless you have a dire need for Java, recommend uninstalling it. (Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Java ...)

This is where my knowledge of computer software runs out. I don't know the difference between Flash and Java.

I have FireFox No Script installed and I have a button on the toolbar, 'Temporarily Allow This Page.' On the BBC site (for example) I cannot watch videos unless i hit the 'Temp Allow' button. Other pages frequently tell me that they do not detect Java. Again, I hit the 'Temp allow' button and the page operates as is was designed. If I remove Java, presumably some pages/sites will not operate?

Rex

Flash and Java are two completely different things. You'd probably use Flash way more than Java. I don't have the Java JRE installed anymore and I don't miss it at all.

NoScript is a bit too restrictive for me. Adblock Plus filters out most of the content I don't want.

I would remove Java and then see how many pages you visit actually use it.

I agree. Unless you have a known, specific reason for having Java, I would not recommend installing it. IMO, it is currently one of the biggest risks in Internet surfing.

As an example, where I work, we have a mission critical program that must use Java. So everyone has it installed. But it's disabled for internet browsers. And to date, I've not heard any complaints about not having it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rex A. Butcher

This is where my knowledge of computer software runs out. I don't know the difference between Flash and Java.

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Flash

Adobe "Flash Player" is Adobe's web browser software viewer for Flash animation and video.
Flash animation is animation created using Adobe Flash or similar.
Flash Video is a container file format used for Internet video delivery.

Java and Javascript

Java is an object-oriented programming language.
Javascript is an object-oriented scripting language.

Java creates applications that run in a virtual machine or browser.
Javascript code is run in a browser only.

Java code needs to be compiled.
Javascript code is plain text.