Apple Java for OS X 10.7/10.8 for Mac

4.0 stars

"Version 13 fixes Mac browser problems, but use v15"

February 20, 2013  |   By Jims Version Tracker

Version: Apple Java for OS X 10.7/10.8 2013-001

Pros

Java SE 7 Update 15 Released
This release contains fixes for security vulnerabilities. For more information, see http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/overview/index.html

Cons

Once again CNET Download Alert is woefully behind.

Summary

(February 19, 2013)
This Critical Patch Update (Version 15) is a collection of patches for multiple security vulnerabilities in Oracle Java SE. This updated Critical Patch Update contains 5 additional security vulnerability fixes. Due to the threat posed by a successful attack, Oracle strongly recommends that customers apply Critical Patch Update fixes as soon as possible.

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1.0 stars

"This Java 7 Update Breaks Java in ALL my Browsers"

October 24, 2012  |   By JMichael11

Version: Apple Java for OS X 10.7/10.8 2012-005

Pros

I don't see any Pros because Java 7 won't run in any Browser.
I'm running Mac OS X Lion 10.7.5

Cons

The result of the combined update from Apple (which removed Java 6) and the Java 7 plugin from Oracle/Java has resulted in breaking Java in all my browsers (Safari, Firefox, Chrome).

In addition, when I try to run the Java applet in Mac System Preferences, it ALWAYS crashes with this error msg:
"Java control panel quit unexpectedly while using the libjvm.dylib plugin"

I have made an exhaustive effort to make this work, but to no avail. I have uninstalled/re-installed both the Apple update and the Oracle Java 7 plugin about 5 times now. I even completely removed every trace of Java from my machine and then did a reinstall. NO joy.

Summary

Apple and Oracle need to work together to resolve this immediately.
Google Chrome needs to update Chrome Mac to support 64-bit plugins like Java 7.

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1.0 stars

"The Apple update upsetting to many Google Chrome users!"

October 17, 2012  |   By cnet4mac

Version: Apple Java for OS X 10.7/10.8 2012-006

Pros

The Apple Java for OS X 2012-006 1.0 update for Mac OS X 10.7, 10.8 operating systems
delivers improved security, reliability, and compatibility by uninstalling the Apple-provided Java applet plug-in from all web browsers.

After installing the Java for OS X 2012-006 1.0 update, anyone who visits a web page with a Java applet in the Chrome browser is directed to download the Java 7 applet plug-in from Oracle.

Cons

If you download Java 7, you will not be able to run Java content in Chrome and will need to use a 64-bit browser (such as Safari or Firefox) to run Java content within a browser. Additionally, installing Java 7 will disable the ability to use Apple Java 6 on your system."

Attempting to do so generates the following message;

"Chrome does not support Java 7. Java 7 runs only on 64-bit browsers and Chrome is a 32-bit browser.

If you go to the Oracle site and follow the links to get the Java 6 version at the "Java 6 download page", there is only a message as follows for the MAC OS X system.

"APPLE JAVA 6 FOR MAC OS X For Java versions 6 and below, Apple supplies their own version of Java. Use the Software Update feature (available on the Apple menu) to check that you have the most up-to-date version of Java 6 for your Mac. For issues related to Apple Java 6 on Mac, contact Apple Support. "

Summary

If you exclusively or primarily use the 32-bit Google Chrome browser you are left with no way to run Java applets in the Chrome browser.

I understand Apple wanting to get out of supporting Java, but with an update that removes their Java altogether from Mountain Lion OS X 10.7 and 10.8 operating systems, without a "fix" for Google Chrome to keep using version 6 Update 37 from Oracle, it seems disingenuous at best and a deliberate attempt to drive some of the competitor's Google Chrome browser users to Apple Safari browser, as a suspicious possibility.

So it is now imperative that some work-around or solution be provided immediately until a 64-bit version is available, or Google will lose many users to Safari and other 64-bit browsers like Firefox and Opera.

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1.0 stars

"Java 6, v1.6 Update 35, for BOTH 10.7 and 10.8"

September 5, 2012  |   By zunipus

Version: Apple Java for OS X 10.7/10.8 2012-005

Pros

It mostly runs the same software on multiple platforms.

Cons

Java is now the single LEAST secure 3rd party software for OS X. It's even more dangerous that Adobe crapware. AVOID USING! If you must use it, TURN IT OFF while surfing the Internet.

Summary

This Java update is for BOTH 10.7 Lion and 10.8 Mountain Lion. There is a different Java updater for OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.

The update provides Java 6, v1.6 Update 35. At this time, this is the ONLY safe version of Java for OS X. If you have Oracle's Java 7 installed, aka Java 1.7, you might as well uninstall it and instead install this update from Apple.

All other versions of Java currently have zero-day security holes that allow a malware rat to install infecting Java applets on a website that will drive-by infect Macs that visit the website. The infection requires NO user interaction at all. This is very much like a virus infection. Once a Mac is infected, the malware can bot/zombie the Mac and make it do anything the bot wrangler desires, including spewing spam, performing DDOS attacks, further infect other websites, download and install further malware, on and on.

This past spring Java drive-by infection malware botted 600,000 Macs. Not a typo. This is the single worst Mac malware infection in history. Java is currently the least secure third party software for Mac, even worse than Adobe's crapware.

The best approach regarding Java hereafter is to consider it dangerous when surfing the Internet. You can turn it OFF in your web browsers, depending upon whether you are at a website that requires Java or not. For general web browsing it is critical to keep Java OFF in case other drive-by security holes are discovered. You can also turn off Java entirely by using the Java Preferences app found in your Utilities folder. Just UNcheck its activity in the General tab.

Note that this particular set of security holes does NOT affect the use of non-Internet applications at all. There are no known Trojan horses for Mac exploiting Java security holes at this time, only Internet Java applets. Therefore, there is no problem using Java at this time except when surfing the Internet.

I hope that's helpful! I've written a couple articles about the current state of java at my Mac-Security blog:

http://Mac-Security.blogspot.com

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1.0 stars

"Need a life without Java!"

April 22, 2012  |   By Kasee

Version: Apple Java for OS X 10.7/10.8 2012-003

Pros

Too many issues !

Cons

Too many issues !

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2.0 stars

"CRITICAL JAVA UPDATE - Patches Active Java Exploit"

April 4, 2012  |   By zunipus

Version: Apple Java for OS X 10.7/10.8 2012-001

Pros

This CRUCIAL Java update patches an active exploit against Macs. Better a late update than never. Java is occasionally useful.

Cons

Java is now one of the most INSECURE Internet technologies. If you don't use Java, TURN IT OFF! Oracle and Apple are NOT providing Mac Java updates in a timely manner. This Java update for Mac provides an update that Windows users have had for months. For over a week, there has been an active malware exploit against Mac users with the unpatched version of Java.

It is terrific that Apple jumped on this exploit so quickly. However, Apple users MUST be provided with Java patches at the same time as Windows users. Delaying Java patches for Mac users is NOT acceptable.

Summary

INSTALL THIS UPDATE IMMEDIATELY. No excuses.

I have verified that the direct download file, at least the current version from Apple, FAILs the Mac OS X 10.7 fsck check during file verification. This is evident in the Console. This is BAD. The resulting installer file will run, but I cannot vouch for the results.

Therefore, the BEST way to install it is from Software Update. You will find it under your Mac's Apple menu. This installation works perfectly.

Now for my rant:

Java has become a BANE of the Internet. I have turned it OFF. I am sick of the recent Java exploits against Mac users. I don't deal with it. I suggest you turn Java OFF as well, unless you use it regularly.

HOW TO TURN OFF JAVA:

If you use multiple web browsers (I use six) then the best and simplest way to turn Java OFF is via the Java Preferences app found in your Mac's Utilities folder. Follow these steps:

1) Open the Java Preferences app.

2) Under the 'General' tab, check OFF "Enable applet plug-in and Web Start applications".

3) Quit the Java Preferences app.

4) VERIFY IT'S OFF: Open the Java Preferences app, again. Verify that the "Enable..." checkbox remains OFF. If you find it on again, check the damned thing OFF again. Quit Java Preferences. Verify AGAIN as required.

I add this VERIFY step because I personally have seen this checkbox turn on again. If you want to be extra-special certain the box doesn't turn on again, you can go down to the box under the 'General' tab and turn OFF both 64 and 32-bit "Java SE 6", then turn off "Enable". That definitely does the trick.

My #2 Rant:

SHAME ON ORACLE. That company has RUINED OpenOffice. The LibreOffice branch is now off and running and far superior, leaving the source OpenOffice project irrelevant. Oracle has been just as obtuse with Java, which is now a DETRIMENT to the Internet.

Maybe Java will be made open source, at long last. That would help. Perhaps great developers like those on the LibreOffice team will grab it and make Java seriously great. Until then, BEWARE OF JAVA. I fully expect more Java exploit malware to come. (o_0)

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1.0 stars

"Something wrong with file"

April 3, 2012  |   By macguruguy

Version: Apple Java for OS X 10.7/10.8 2012-001

Pros

None, can't open file.

Cons

None, can't open file

Summary

There is something wrong with the .dmg file. Getting error message when trying to open file. Have tried downloading from multiple sites, using multiple browsers. Nice job Apple checking your file before releasing.

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