How to turn Java off
Oracle Java
It is important that you read the following advisory:
Keep Java up-to-date
If you choose to keep Java installed on your computer (whether disabled or not) it is important to keep it up-to-date. Here is how to discover whether your version of Java is up to date. NOTE: If you install a new version of Java remember to un-check the box to install the "ASK.com" toolbar. It is not needed.
Managing Java
The instructions below will help you disable Java in the individual brower(s) you use for your day-to-day web activities. For those who have no need for web sites or web programs that require Java, instructions are also included that will help you disable Java globally. In most cases, you will be alerted to the need for Java when you visit a site or use a program feature that requires it. At that point you must decide if another (safer) web site or program can be used instead. If you have no other option, you can enable Java selectively using instructions found here.
For information regarding BlackBoard Learn and other trusted web delivered applications that require Java.
Turn Java off in individual browsers
(If you have no need for Java and want to turn it off globally, skip this section and proceed to the next section.)
If you know you must use a web site or program that requires Java (e.g. certain features in Blackboard Learn), only one of your browsers should have Java enabled. Java should be disabled in all your remaining browsers. If you have not previously turned Java off globally using the Java Control Panel (Windows) or the Java Preference (Macintosh) then you may turn it off selectively in those browsers you intend to use for your daily work on the web. As an alternative, if you prefer to use only one browser for all your browsing, then you must learn to turn it off and on as needed. These instructions describe how to turn it off.
Safari (Macintosh)
Click on the Safari menu and choose Preferences.
Click on the Security icon and check the box to "Enable Broswer". This should remove the check mark.
Close the Preferences window.
Firefox (Windows & Macintosh)
Click on the Tools menu and choose Add-ons OR click on the Firefox menu, and choose Add-Ons.
Click on Plug-ins and then locate the Java Applet plugin.
Click to disable it and close the Add-ons window (if it is enabled).
Chrome (Windows & Macintosh)
Click on the Chrome menu and choose Preferences (Macintosh) OR click on the wrench icon, then select Settings (Windows)
Click on Settings in the left column.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the link labeled "Show advanced settings".
Scroll down to the Privacy section and click on the button labeled "Content Settings...".
Next click on "Disable individual plug-ins" in the Plug-ins section.
In the list that is presented, locate Java and click on the link to "Disable" it (if it is enabled).
Internet Explorer 7 and above (Windows)
Click on your Start button and select Control Panel
Locate and open the Control Panel called Internet Options.
Click the Programs tab and select Manage Add-ons.
Select Toolbars and Extenstions in the left hand column. Then in the right hand column scroll down to Oracle America.
Click Java Plug-in then click the Disable button.
Click Close and OK to accept the change.
Turn Java off globally
Follow these instructions if you are sure you won't need Java. If you are unsure, you can still turn it off globally and then refer back to these instructions later if you need to turn it back on.
Windows (all versions)
NOTE: It is important to remove older versions of Java prior to proceding with these instructions. You can keep the newest version of Java installed as long as it is disabled. You can check for updates here.
Click on the Start button
Click on Control Panel
Click on the Java (32 Bit) Control Panel
Click on the Security tab
Click to UNcheck the box at the top labeled, "Enable Java content in the browser".
Click Apply, then click OK.
Macintosh (OS 10.7.3 and up) Lion & Mountain Lion
NOTE: Versions of the Macintosh OS that are older than 10.7.3 do not have the Java Preference.
Click on the Apple menu (upper left corner of the screen).
Select Preferences.
Locate the preference called Java (it is in the bottom row) and click to open it
Click on the Security tab in the Java Preference.
Click to UNcheck the box labeled "Enable Java content in the browser".
Click on Apply and then click on OK.
How to turn Java on
Oracle Java
It is important that you read the following advisory:
There may come a time when you discover you need to use Java. Before you use it, it is highly recommended that you check first to confirm whether it is up-to-date. You can do so here. NOTE: If you install a new version, please be sure to un-check the box that installs the "ASK.com" toolbar. It is not needed.
You should procede with the steps below ONLY if you are certain of the safety of the web site or web program that is asking you to enable Java. It is NOT recommended that you do this for all your broswers, only the one you will use for trusted sites and web programs that require Java.
If you previously used either the Java Control Panel (Windows) or the Java Preference (Macintosh OS 10.7.3 and up) to disable Java in all of your browsers, you will need to re-enable Java and then turn off the Java plug-in in the browser you will use for day-to-day browsing. It is only in this manner that you'll be able to independently control Java in each of your broswers. If you are uncertain as to whether you turned it off globally, the steps below will take you to the appropriate control panel (Windows) or preference (Macintosh) where you can determine its current status.
If you did NOT disable Java using the control panel or the preference, then procede to the section below labeled "Turning Java on in an individual browser".
For information regarding BlackBoard Learn (and other trusted web delivered applications that require Java).
Globally turn Java on using the Java Control Panel (Windows) or the Java Preference (Macintosh)
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a two part process! Once you have turned Java on globally, you must turn it off for the individual browser(s) you intend to use for day-to-day browsing. See the link at the bottom of this page for disabling Java in an individual browser.
Windows (all versions)
Click on the Start button
Click on Control Panel
Click on the Java (32 Bit) Control Panel
Click on the Security tab
Click to enter a checkmark in the box at the top labeled, "Enable Java content in the browser".
Click Apply, then click OK.
Macintosh (OS 10.7.3 and up) Lion & Mountain Lion
NOTE: Versions of the Macintosh OS below 10.7.3 do not have the Java Preference.
Click on the Apple menu (upper left corner of the screen).
Select Preferences.
Locate the preference called Java (it is in the bottom row) and click to open it
Click on the Security tab in the Java Preference.
Click in the check box to "Enable Java content in the browser".
Click on Apply and then click on OK.
Turning Java on in an individual browser
All versions of Windows and all versions of Macintosh
(These instructions will work only if the Windows Java Control Panel or the Macintosh Java Prefrence was not used to globally disable Java.)
NOTE: If you have not previously disabled Java in your other browsers, you should do so (a link to instructions appears at the bottom of this page). The instructions that follow here are only intended for the broswer you will use to access trusted web sites or web programs that require Java.
From the list of browsers below, choose the one you intend to use only for Blackboard Learn (or other web delivered programs or sites you trust) and follow the instructions for enabling Java.
Safari (Macintosh)
Click on the Safari menu and choose Preferences.
Click on the Security icon and check the box to "Enable Broswer" only if no checkmark already appears.
Close the Preferences window.
Firefox (Windows & Macintosh)
Click on the Tools menu and choose Add-ons OR click on the Firefox menu, and choose Add-Ons.
Click on Plug-ins and then locate the Java Applet plugin.
Click to enable it and close the Add-ons window.
Chrome (Windows & Macintosh)
Click on the Chrome menu and choose Preferences (Macintosh) OR click on the wrench icon, then select Settings (Windows)
Click on Settings in the left column.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the link labeled "Show advanced settings".
Scroll down to the Privacy section and click on the button labeled "Content Settings...".
Next click on "Disable individual plug-ins" in the Plug-ins section.
In the list that is presented, locate Java and click on the link to "Enable" it.
Internet Explorer 7 and above (Windows)
Click on your Start button and select Control Panel.
Loacte and then open the Control Panel called Internet Options.
Click the Programs tab and select Manage Add-ons.
Select Toolbars and Extenstions in the left hand column. Then in the right hand column scroll down to Oracle America.
Click Java Plug-in then click the Enable button.
Click Close and OK to accept the change.
How to disable Java in the broswers you intend to use for day-to-day browsing
Instructions can be found here that will help you turn Java off for individual browsers or for all browsers.
How to Update or Install Java - Macintosh
Oracle Java
Macintosh Users
Before you proceed with updating or installing Java, you need to know the version of the Macintosh operating system you are using.
Click on the Apple menu (upper left corner of your screen) and choose About this Mac.
The version is listed directly below "Mac OS X "
Close the window and proceed with the appropriate instructions below.
Macintosh OS 10.7.3 and above (higher versions of Lion, and all versions of Mountain Lion)
From your desktop, click on the Apple menu (upper left corner of your screen) and choose System Preferences
In the Preferences screen, choose the Java preference (found in the bottom row of icons) and click to open it. NOTE: If no Java preference icon appears, you either do not have Java installed, it is installed but under a different user ID, or your version of OS X falls below 10.7.3.
If you are the only user of your computer and Java is not installed, please go to http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp for installation instructions.
If others use your computer, you can confirm whether Java is already installed by searching for Java in spotlight. If it is found, you should open the preference and proceed to step 3.
In the Java preference window, click on the Update tab.
If Java is already up-to-date, you will see, "Your system has the recommended version of Java 7". You can proceed to step 3.b.iv below.
If Java is not up-to-date, you will see, "A critical Java security update is available".
Click on the "Update Now" button
Click on the "Install Update" button
The download will begin. When it finishes, click on the "Install and Relaunch" button. Enter your computer login credentials if prompted to do so.
NOTE: If your version of Java is more than one release behind, you may see a second window open that asks you to install the update. If it appears, click on Continue, then click on Install. Enter your credentials when prompted to do so. When you see the screen that says your Install Succeeded, click to Reopen the Java Preference. If the Java Preference indicates another update is available, repeat the steps above (beginning with step "i"). Otherwise, continue with step iv. below.
Reopen the Java Preference. If it says, "Your system has the recommended version of Java 7", click on OK and close the Java preference window.
Macintosh OS 10.7.2 and below (early versions of Lion, all versions of Snow Leopard and Leopard)
From your desktop, click on the Apple menu (upper left corner of your screen).
Choose Software Update...
After your operating system finishes searching for updates it will open a window that either says you are up-to-date or it will indicate that updates are available.
If software updates are available, but you don't see a list of the updates, click on the Details button to see them. If no updates are available, you are finished. Proceed to step 5.
Click on the button labeled Install x items (where "x" is a number). Enter your computer credentials if prompted. The update will proceed automatically. Please wait until it finishes. NOTE: Some updates may require you to restart your computer.
Return to step 2 to confirm there are no more updates. If none are found, continue to step 6. Otherwise, repeat step 4 - 6.
Close the preference window.
How to Update or Install Java - Windows [XP, Vista, 7, 8]
Oracle Java
Windows Users
To uninstall older versions of Java
Windows 7 and Vista
Click Start
Select Control Panel
Select Programs
Click Programs and Features
Select the program you want to uninstall by clicking on it, and then click the Uninstall button.
Click Yes to remove the application. You may need administrator privileges to remove programs.
If a window labeled User Account Control pops up, procede by clicking Yes.
Repeat steps 5 - 7 for each old version of Java on your computer.
Close the Control Panel when you are finished
Windows XP - Uninstall Programs
Click Start
Select Control Panel
Click Add/Remove Programs
The Add/Remove Control Panel displays a list of software on your system, including any Java software products that are on your computer. Select the one you want to uninstall by clicking on it. Then click the Remove button.
Repeat step 4 for each old version of Java on your computer.
Close the Control Panel when you are finished
Installing Java
Click here to get the Java Installer. The link leads to a page which downloads an .exe file named Ninite Java Installer.exe. This exe file is safe to use and should have an icon that looks like the following image:
Double click on the installer. Depending on your computer’s User Account Control settings you may get a popup like the following:
Select Yes to allow the installation to continue. The Ninite installer will then download and install the latest java versions without the need for any further input from you.
Java - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Oracle Java
Q: If I’ve disabled Java in my web browsers already, do I really need to update it?
A: Yes, you should update Java now, and continue updating Java whenever your computer prompts you that an update is available. The most recent versions of Java will always contain patches for any recently discovered security holes in Java. Updating Java on your computer will make your computer as safe as it can be from Java exploits.
Q: Then why did ITS tell me to disable Java in January, 2013?
A: We advised campus to disable Java earlier because:
There wasn’t a “patched” version of Java available to update your computer and
At least one campus computer had been compromised by the existing security holes. That computer had to be completely wiped and rebuilt.
Exploits that take advantages of Java vulnerabilities frequently include keystroke loggers which are used to capture passwords and financial information (credit card, banking, etc).
Q: If I update Java, should I still keep it disabled in my browsers?
A: If you have not needed Java in the past few weeks, then yes, keep it disabled in your browsers. Having Java both up to date and disabled in browsers is absolutely the safest approach. However, if you do need to use Java for some of the web-based tools that are important to your work, you can leave it enabled now. (Note that disabling Java in your browser still leaves Java available for applications installed on your computer.)
Q: Do I need to update Java on my personal/home computer?
A: Yes, update Java on every computer you use, and continue updating it whenever you receive a prompt on your computer. You can use the directions found through the ITS Resource Center page <https://my.hamilton.edu/its/rc/managing-java-on-your-computer> to manually update both Windows and Macintosh computers.
Q: Is Java the same thing as JavaScript?
A: No. You need not worry about JavaScript.
Q: What about my mobile devices (phone, tablet)?
A: You need not worry about Java on your phone or tablet unless you deliberately installed a Java app on your device. In that case, you should be sure to keep it up to date.
Q: What is Java ?
A: Java is three things.
It’s a programming language.
It’s a "virtual machine" - a program (run-time environment) you can install on any computer (including mobile devices) in which any program written in Java can run.
It’s the set of programs for developers to use that makes all that possible. Java is capable of doing far more complex applications than JavaScript.
Q: How did I get Java in the first place? I don't remember installing it.
A: Most people will find that Java has been installed on their computers whether they were aware of it or not. Java was designed with security in mind, but because it is widely used, it is a a favorite target for cybercriminals. All software has potential security risks, especially when (like Java) it is running programs written by unknown entities across the web. You should make sure you keep Java regularly updated to minimize the risks.
Java - Known Sites and Applications
Oracle Java
ITS has identified applications and web sites in use at Hamilton that require Java (in total or in part). If you regularly use one of these applications/sites, you should consider how best to manage your exposure to Java. Two possible methods are described in the section below labeled “If you must use Java”.
Applications and web sites that require Java:
The following list is by no means exhaustive. We will update it as new information becomes available. Your contributions to this list are welcomed. Please address them to hd@hamilton.edu
Blackboard (only the features listed below require Java)
o Chat & Virtual Classroom tools (located under "Collaboration" in the Tools menu)
o WebEq Math Editor located in the text box editor. The rest of the text box editor is fine.
o Uploading multiple files at once. (Uploading single files and file attachments work fine.)
ArtSTOR (Java required to download images)
Citrix
GoToMeeting - also from Citrix
GoToWebinar - again from Citrix
The Wall Street Journal website, wsj.com, uses Java for dynamic charts
SciFinder (formerly called SciFinder Scholar. Java is required for structure drawings)
Stand Alone Apps: Doceri Desktop
If you must use Java:
BEFORE you continue, visit the following page and make sure that Java is up to date.
Updating Java
If you must visit sites/web applications that require Java, here are two methods to consider using.
NOTE: (The following example is written for Blackboard Learn but the same techniques can be used for other trusted web sites or applications that require Java.)
A. Use a different browser and ONLY use that browser to access Blackboard Learn
If you set Blackboard Learn to your home page in your other browser it will save you time when you need to access it quickly. For example, set up Internet Explorer or Safari for Blackboard and then use Firefox for all your other browsing. The browser you choose for Blackboard Learn will need to have Java enabled so you should not use it for your day-to-day browsing activities. Remember that web searches, surfing, purchasing, social media, etc. are activities that are more likely to take you to web sites that could compromise your computer.
B. Turn Java on only when needed. Then turn it off.
As an alternative, you can continue to use your favorite browser for Blackboard Learn but you'll need to enable the Java plug-in when you want to use the features that require Java. It is vital that you remember to disable it again when you're finished. Failure to disable it will expose your computer to a rapidly growing number of serious threats that take advantage of flaws in Java, Adobe Flash, and Adobe Acrobat.
How to turn Java on for all browsers or individually
How to turn off Java system-wide or for individual browsers
What is Java ?
Java is three things.
Firstly, it’s a programming language.
Secondly, it’s a ’virtual machine’ - a program (’run-time environment’) you can install on any computer (including mobile phones) that can run any programs written in Java. Those programs will be safely ring-fenced (‘sandboxed’) so that nothing they do can affect the working of the rest of your computer.
Lastly, it’s the set of programs for developers to use that makes all that possible. Java is capable of doing far more complex applications than JavaScript. For example, Java is used for the games on mobile phones.
Most people will find that Java has been installed on their computers whether they were aware of it or not. Java was designed with security in mind, but all software has potential security risks, especially when (like Java) it is running programs written by unknown entities across the web. You should make sure you keep Java regularly updated to minimize the risks.
Note:
Newer versions of Firefox will automatically disable outdated Java plugins.
Typically mobile devices (smart phones, tablets) do not have Java installed.
Managing Java on your computer
Oracle Java
Installing & Updating Java
Please read this important advisory
On 1/10/13 the Department of Homeland Security issued an alert recommending that all Internet users "consider disabling Java in web browsers until adequate updates are available" due to recently discovered security flaws in the software. Although Oracle (publisher of Java) regularly issues security patches (and has patched the flaw(s) announced on 1/10/13), Java remains a favorite target of hackers.
Java is active by default on most computers. Consequently, it is vital that you always keep it up-to-date. This applies to your office and home computers alike. Even if you disable Java, it is important to keep it up-to-date in the event you discover a (trusted) web page or program that requires it. Then, if you must enable it for a one-time use, you'll have the most secure version already installed.
Typically mobile devices (smart phones, tablets) do not have Java installed. If you deliberately installed Java on your mobile device, you should also keep it up-to-date.
NOTE: Java is not the same thing as JavaScript. You can leave JavaScript alone.
Managing Java (installing and updating)
Please choose your operating system below for instructions that will assist you in updating and/or installing Java. The Windows instructions also explain how to remove older versions of Java.
Windows
Macintosh
Remove old versions of Java
Oracle Java
If you are attempting to disable Java through the Java Control Panel you will not see the check box you need if you still have older versions of Java installed. These instructions will help you remove them. Once they are removed, the check box will appear in the Java Control Panel.
Java programs go by many names. If you see something with Java in the name and the publisher is Oracle (or Sun Microsystems) this is what you need to remove. Anything called JavaScript is OK and should be left alone. As of January 2013, the current version of Java is 7 update 11. All other versions should be considered old and available for removal. To determine if you have the latest version of Java installed, please visit http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp.
Remove older versions of Java in the same way as you would remove other software from your Windows computer.
Windows 7 and Vista - Uninstall Programs
Click Start
Select Control Panel
Select Programs
Click Programs and Features
Select the program you want to uninstall by clicking on it, and then click the Uninstall button.
Click Yes to remove the application. You may need administrator privileges to remove programs.
If a window labeled User Account Control pops up, procede by clicking Yes.
Repeat steps 5 - 7 for each old version of Java on your computer.
Cloe the Control Panel when you are finished
Windows XP - Uninstall Programs
Click Start
Select Control Panel
Click Add/Remove Programs
The Add/Remove Control Panel displays a list of software on your system, including any Java software products that are on your computer. Select the one you want to uninstall by clicking on it. Then click the Remove button.
Repeat step 4 for each old version of Java on your computer.
Cloe the Control Panel when you are finished
