How to be as safe as possible with Java. Oracle is schedule to put Java 6 out to pasture next month. Mac users running Snow Leopard (10.6) also benefit from Java 6. Java 6 continues to hum.

By • 8:00 pm, April 10, 2012 • • Got the Flashback spooks? Apple has the notorious Flashback botnet once and for all, but there’s still the remotest chance you could get infected. Keep in mind that only around, and that number is a tiny fraction of the millions of Mac users around the world. Most of the machines that have been infected already are centralized in North America. Your Mac is completely up to date and by the Flashback trojan.

If everything is squared away and you’re not infected already, here’s how to ensure there is zero chance you’ll get infected while you wait for Apple to save the day. See, Flashback uses Java to crawl its way into your Mac and link you up to a zombie botnet. Like most exploits, your browser is the gateway Flashback sneaks through to gain access to your system. If you close the gateway so that Flashback has no way of exploiting Java, you’re protected. The good news is that disabling Java is super easy. Apple makes it super easy in Safari. Head on over to the Security section of Preferences and uncheck Java.

Type 'about:plugins' into Google Chrome's address bar and disable the Java plugin. In Firefox, visit Add-ons under Tools and click the Plugins tab. Disable the Java Applet Plug-in. To reiterate, should be enough to keep you safe.

This extra step is only for the most paranoid of MacHeads. Java isn’t essential for browsing the web, and most users won’t notice a difference when it’s disabled. Some chat rooms, online games, etc. Use Java applets, but you’ll know if you need to re-enable Java to use a site. And if you’re really, really scared, consider a.

Oracle is the latest troll vendor under fire for (ahem) 'potentially unwanted' shovelware. Mac users installing or updating to the latest version Java are finding their shinies infected with the 'much loved' Ask Toolbar. This thing returns poor, ad-infested results, and silently changes your browser settings. At best, this thing is irritating adware. At worst, it's a Trojan that tracks all the sites you visit.

In IT Blogwatch, bloggers hurd catz. (Updated 12.46pm.) [ Related: ] curated these bloggy bits for your entertainment. Overwritten in microsoft word for mac. Ed 'the' Bott reports: For years, Oracle has tormented Windows users by bundling adware.using deceptive methods to convince customers to install [it]. Oracle has begun bundling the Ask adware.for the Mac.as well, changing homepages. As with its Windows counterpart, the Java installer selects the option to install the Ask app by default.

[It] returns low-quality results.heavily loaded with ads, most of which are not clearly distinguished from organic [results]. [This] comes on the heels of Lenovo's disastrous scandal with the Superfish adware. IAC, the parent corporation that owns Ask.com.pays a commission to Oracle.

And Peter Cohen cuts to the chase: If you strive to keep your Mac free of adware.you may want to forgo installing Java. Unless you absolutely need Java on your Mac, don't bother with it.

And if you have to, get ready to de-adware your Mac. You may call it 'adware,' but Steve Dent calls it ****ware: Megayachts aren't going to buy themselves, [so] Larry Ellison's Oracle [is] picking up extra cash.by slipping adware.on your OSX-equipped MacBook. [The Java installer] will hijack your browser's search functions and deliver iffy, ad-laden results while being tricky for neophytes to remove.

Change gmail password for mac mail. [It] seems particularly bad timing considering how fresh the Lenovo adware installation fiasco is in everybody's minds. Did you say 'tricky' to uninstall? Neil Hughes et al beg to differ: Fortunately, uninstalling the Ask extension is relatively simple. Safari users can.navigat[e] to the Extensions menu.while Chrome users can uninstall directly from the Ask toolbar's help menu. But cashxx urges you to make your voice Hurd: [You're fired -Ed.] Start complaining!!! At the bottom under “Report an Issue”.select “Comments and/or Suggestions.” If thats not enough for you send the CEOs an email.mark.hurd@oracle.com and safra.catz@oracle.com they seem to hold a joint CEO positions. Meanwhile, Andrew 'Malarkey' Clarke waxes vindicated: I haven’t installed Java on my Macs for years and I never will.