Too Many Java Updates?

[Khandro]

Am I alone in receiving notice of Java updates on a near daily basis? The numbers of the updates don't seem to match up with ones supplied, I wonder if their main objective is to get me to install a new toolbar.

[Nibble]

Which Java Update is your system currently running, i.e Java 6 Update 37/Java 7 Update17, as the latest versions are Java 6 Version 43 & Java 7 Version 17?

Also be aware that Java has released updates on Monday 04/03/2013, as follows..
http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/none/308854-oracle-updates-both-java-6-java-7-install-now

[rojash]

"I wonder if their main objective is to get me to install a new toolbar."

No legitimate Java update (from Oracle) installs, or offers to install, anything other than the update itself.

[Khandro]

I appear to have java 7 update 15. The ones I'm talking about have an option to install a toolbar which I have to uncheck are the false?

[souldriver]

been happening to me for about 2 weeks, in the end i uninstalled it and then redown loaded it again and it stopped.

[ichkeria]

http://www.zdnet.com/a-close-look-at-how-oracle-installs-deceptive-software-with-java-updates-7000010038/

An interesting article in light of the above

[Khandro]

ichkeria: Thank you, that's fascinating, I hope rojash is still around to read this, it is unlike him to miss such a trick.

[ChillDoubt]

Firefox still has 'issues' with Java so until they sort it I'm currently declining updates.

[Buenchico]

Several national governments repeatedly tell computer users to disable Java because, every time the developers fix one loophole, another is found by hackers.
e.g. : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/u-s-government-advises-users-to-disable-java-1124717
Java is known as the route by which most malware finds its way onto PCs. The developers need to constantly update it to try to keep one step ahead of the hackers.

[Sipowicz]

Chris, what difference would it make if Java was disabled?

[ChillDoubt]

I suspected as much Chris after I was 'Snap-do'ed after my last Java update, thanks for the info.

[Buenchico]

>>>what difference would it make if Java was disabled?

On many websites, nothing at all. (Or, if anything did happen, you probably wouldn't mind anyway, such as no longer having moving ads). On AB the 'Latest Posts' box wouldn't keep updating but otherwise the site would probably function OK.

[Hopkirk]

Every time I get a Java update I have to click to tell it I do not want an Ask toolbar.

It gets a bit annoying.

I see Rojash is keeping his head down.

[Bazile]

1. How do i find out what version i currently have ?

2. Do you recomend uninstalling it OR just simply not updating ?

[Buenchico]

Bazile:
If you've got Java it's VITAL that you ACCEPT the updates as they're needed to protect you from attacks. (I've still got Java on my PC; it's up to you whether you want to unistall it or not).

Click here to check whether Java is up to date:
http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp
(If you're asked if you want to run the program, select 'Yes').

[Bazile]

Thanks , i'll have a look when i get home