Disabling Java? How Vital?

In reference to this, please -

http://www.zdnet.com/homeland-security-warns-to-disable-java-amid-zero-day-flaw-7000009713/

I attempted to disable this, below (screenshot), but it seemed to have shutdown my browser (or is that to be expected, initially), please?

Thanks in advance,
g...

 

Disabling browser plugins usually requires a browser restart, this is normal.

Did you follow the link to:

http://www.java.com/en/download/help/disable_browser.xml

And follow those instructions as well?

 

Yes, thank you, however, this (screenshot) is my issue now...I have not figured-out how to find Java.

It (Java) is listed in my Add/Remove (Programs and Features) list, but not in my general CP list, which goes from "Internet Options" to "Keyboard"..??

 

plodr - thank you, however...I got this far, but not sure where (how?) to 'Search" from here...can you advise?

 

In this view that you're showing if you click Programs (not Uninstall a Program) that's where Java is listed for me. I too hate the category view and use an icons view simply because so much could fall under multiple categories and frankly I usually already know what I'm looking for.

 

I would not worry about Obama's SS/Gustapo. They are pissed at the ownership of Oracle right now for some reason. If Java was so bad, Oracle would not be issuing it as a software. Plus there are hundreds of devices like Blu-Ray players, etc. that use embedded Java to do stuff.

Just ignore Homeland/Secret Police directive and move on with your life. It is bad enough that they cannot even get Airport Security or the border protection correct. This is the latest update regarding the Critical Patch update to be released on the 15th. http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/cpujan2013-1515902.html

 

cabbiinc, thank you much!

 

@grc123, your Java is already outdated, this means that disabling Java in IE is not easy (IE is tied into Windows and Java can be called in many ways via IE, not just by the plugin).

First, do you have any desktop software (Programs) that need Java? If not uninstall it and forget about it.

If you do have a real need, uninstall your old version and download the latest (7 Update 10), install the new version from the Command line with the "WEB_JAVA=0" switch:

If you really need Java to access a website (I haven't found the need in almost a year), install Java 7 Update 10 normally then disable Java in browsers via the Control Panel applet. When needed, re-enable it and use a non-IE browser - once done with it, ensure it's disabled again immediately.

Ignore any comments about web servers and hardware devices, etc. needing Java, that's not what this vulnerability is about, it's about Java and client side web browsers.

 

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-happens-if-i-turn-off-windows-search

Re-enable Windows Search and that will come back. When in Programs and Features on the left click Turn Windows features on or off, find Windows Search, make sure it's checked.

 

Thank you all immensely...

Satrow, I don't "think' I "have any desktop software (Programs) that needs Java" (?)., so I simply uninstalled, at least for now (and all "seems" fine, at least so far).

And cabbiinc, yes, when I first got this machine, per some reading at the blackviper.com site, I closed-up that search to (supposedly?) speed things along with this machine and it's relatively small CPU (?).

And plodr goodness knows I've "had/have" (??) some themes and such (installed/uninstalled/reinstalled!?!) which are likely causing more than just this one issue...my machines somehow end-up a HOT MESS by the time I upgrade/get a new machine. :-o

Thanks again to EVERYONE here!

 

Should JAVA SCRIPS be disabled as well?

 

No: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=272044

 

How would the typical non-geek (or novice geek) make that determination?

Are your instructions specific to any particular version of Windows or IE, or universal? Some of us are clinging to our outdated OSs & browsers.

FYI:

It's Gestapo; short for Geheim Staatspolizei.

 

Whichever version of Windows (or Mac/Linux/... - Java is 'universal'), uninstall Java, use your PC as usual for 3-4 weeks.

If you have a program that needs Java, you'll soon see error messages about Java being required when trying to load the program. If the program is one you rarely use, you may be better to find a (free/Open Source?) alternative as Java is only updated on a 4 monthly schedule; most times, it's already very insecure before a patch is released (or outdated again before you next use the program)!

See also my reply here.