How come Java NEVER self updates?

Hey guys. I've taken care of a few infections through here, and have since then become very sensitive to which version of Java I'm running. I've noticed that regardless of which computer I'm on, and even on my friends' and family's computers, Java *never* self updates. The settings are always set to do so, but every time a new version comes out, I check my machines and others'- and nothing. What gives? This recently happened when I had to go from 6-22 to 6-23. Every machine was still stuck using 22. In fact I can't once ever remember Java telling me it's updating on its own, on any of these machines (note- different routers, different ISPs, different versions of Windows, different parts of the country even!)

Arrrggggg!

 

Well, checked the startup lineup and it's definitely there. What else would you recommend- how would I check firewall to ensure it's getting through? This is XP.

Thanks!!

 

The default setting is Once a Month.

In the Java applet in Control Panel:
If the checkbox for "Check for updates automatically" is Checked,
there is an "Advanced" button which starts a dialog that allows you to set the
Update Check Frequency to Daily, Weekly or Monthly with additional settings for Day and Time where appropriate.

 

Well I'd long since changed it to be Daily, thinking that would help, but nada. However, I think the tip about "catching" the icon in time might be right- every once in a while, I'll see Java give me a little notice. I usually ignore it as it goes away very quickly. Do they really not give you an option to have it completely auto update? Do you really need to manually tell it yes, apply that little update you just downloaded??

Might be a security thing, but seems kinda ridiculous if so, especially since, as written above, Windows hides it real quick!

 

I see only two options for Notify me:

• Before downloading
• Before installing

So it appears that you DO have to actually Respond.

Certainly you have better things to do than just sit, watch and wait for the popup.

 

Yeah seriously. It's pretty stupid!!

 

You just reminded me that there is another way of catching the Java update.

I have Secunia PSI installed and I get emails from them when they have updated
their detection databases as an alert to do a new scan.
If Java needs updating Secunia will show that.

I often do an uninstall and then get a fresh install with the new version.
However, I think the install process always adds SunJavaUpdateSched as a Startup process
in HKEY Local Machine / Run.

I don't remember if the update process does an automatic Uninstall first
or if that also adds the Startup process. Seems like I always have to go back and turn it Off again,
so I just gave up and let it run.

 

I use Secunia only for scans.

Thanks for the tip about Startup Monitor.
I have been using and often recommend Startup Control Panel StandAlone from the same developer.

Are you recommending WinPatrol?
I know it has a high user rating, but I know nothing about it's use of system resources.

Thanks.