Java security

At one time there was much talk of the dangers of using Java but everything now seems to have gone quiet.
Does anyone know whether the problems have been resolved and if it is now safe to put our heads above the parapet again?

I think its fair to say Java now is currently fairly secure. I think its also fair to say that just like running flash and ActiveX, running Java makes your browser/PC a lot more insecure than it does by simply not having it installed.

It is only secure until the next well known exploit comes along.

There aren't many websites which need it now really, is there any specific reason you want to reinstall it?

From time to time I run Pingtest.net which uses Java to check packet loss.
Not important but slightly irritating not to be able to use it.

Use tbb line monitor or f8lure to give you a better idea of packet loss

Thanks for suggestions. I can't use TBB as I don't have a fixed IP address. I'll think about f8lure, though am reluctant to sign up to things I don't use often

Java is still the most exploited browser plug-in. This is because it lacks automatic update and as a result of this, lots of computers are using an old version of Java.

http://www.darkreading.com/vulnerability/no-java-pat...

Avoid using Java if possible. Disable the Java browser plug-inn if you only need Java for desktop applications, such as Minecraft and Wuala.

Edited by Zadeks (Tue 11-Jun-13 10:46:35)

Is Java the same thing as Javascript in browsers? Do I need Java installed to use Javascript in browsers, especially for Youtube videos and BBC iPlayer videos?

Also what's Microsoft Silverlight? What is that needed for?

No, they are totally different. You do not need Java installed to use Javascript-enabled websites. Very few websites require Java these days.

Silverlight is Microsoft's answer to Adobe Flash. Only install if it you definitely need it!

So I can uninstall Java, and things like Flash menus, cascading style sheets and Flash videos as well as my antivirus software will all work fine?

Yes.