Apple blocks Java on Macs due to vulnerabilities
NEW YORK (AP) - Mac computers have stopped running programs written using the Java programming language in their browsers, as Apple blocked it because of security problems.
Apple has previously blocked, then unblocked, the latest version of Java on the most recent versions of its Mac operating system. On Thursday, Apple also started blocking an older version of the Mac system, called Snow Leopard, from running Java 6, also an older version.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends disabling Java in Web browsers because it has provided pathways for hackers to take control of computers that visit a website rigged with malicious software. Oracle Corp., which owns Java, has issued updates that fix known vulnerabilities, but the DHS expects that there are more.
Oracle had no immediate comment on Apple's action.
Apple has previously blocked, then unblocked, the latest version of Java on the most recent versions of its Mac operating system. On Thursday, Apple also started blocking an older version of the Mac system, called Snow Leopard, from running Java 6, also an older version.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends disabling Java in Web browsers because it has provided pathways for hackers to take control of computers that visit a website rigged with malicious software. Oracle Corp., which owns Java, has issued updates that fix known vulnerabilities, but the DHS expects that there are more.
Oracle had no immediate comment on Apple's action.
Wait so apple can just install something on my computer to make another thing I use stop working?
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REALLY?
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I mean yeah, Java has more holes than a sieve and I have stopped updating it a long time ago (I even usually disable it myself), but Apple can do that? Just turn things off of my computer?
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And people don't have an issue with this?
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 @Repoman Flash sucks, and it sucks even more as it gets updated. Every update renders new problems, I am at the point of using of other means to view some Vids on you tube like HHO, everything on the tube is encoded in MMP4 it how ever uses flash to access all the ad crap and such. and Farmvill2 and face book apps..Dear lord there memory hogs. they freeze, and do wonders on a system..but Linux? fore some reason? Went executes flash, it just works.
 @Repoman some one blasted me when i wrote a story on Sony doing this on the PS3, there was a lawsuit and so forth. We , That is you and I, Do not own the Software. We own the hardware. Unless of coarse it is the Sony PS3 ,then we do not own any of it.
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At any rate, YUP, those are the terms you agreed to..this is why people are moving to Linux.
Plus, if people want full control of there computers, one should make it painful on the share holders. I bet the get access to java.
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In addition, if people don't venture to questionable sights, they should have nothing to worry about..that and if they just would stop opening spam.
Also all those lawsuits that sony went through? Well guess what, other companies are soon to follow suite. if they do not like it, they will remove it with out your knowledge warning or consent.
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but those are the terms you agreed to..this is why people are now blocking the "Fone Home " ISP, not just hackers but legit users as well. and finding that ISP is not easy, but in Windows 8 there is a way to block it with a simple command keyed into the command line..it is on Google. and it is common knowledge.
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 @Repoman Good grief The things we do and get tracked into doing!
I think it is really ironic that Orwell's 1984 has finally happened and we've been the ones to invite it in to our personal space. I still remember a time when phone calls were private and we could usually tell if someone opened our mail.
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As a Mac user, I actually have no problem with this. Microsoft has long had reporting programs that run to, among other things, verify you are running the latest software and that you have legal copies (including of software that they don't even sell). That is more of a concern for me.
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Apple has a longstanding history of "protecting" its customers (thus the issue with Java, MapQuest (I think its safe to say they learned their lesson on that one), and Sun/Oracle products. They used to run hand in hand with Adobe but, due to security issues (and probably financial ones that we plebes aren't privy to) they no longer have the open friendship but that can change.
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I'm just frustrated with how many developers are entrenched in using Flash and Java! I'd like to be able to work but not have to deal with their bugs. I go to several sites that require either Flash or Java and, prior to all if the issues I got paid memberships (like Pogo) but I haven't been able to visit for over a month.
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My computer systems admin husband swears by Linux 'cause its for the people by the people!
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P.S. What do you think is in all of that really small legal mumbo jumbo on software, legal areas on websites, on new computers, etc. is all about? Nothing is free and if you take, so do they...
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I read the legal mumbo jumbo and have changed my mind at install if i didn't like what it said (or implied).
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I have never owned a Mac, but I have supported their products. Have never run into needing to read any EULA put out by them.
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But you're right about Microsoft. They spy too but they tell you up front and you can actually turn that off. The issue is most people just keep the box checked and assume they have done due diligence.
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 @Repoman Again, they tell you up front in all of their verbage but there is no "opt-out" option for privacy settings on either a Mac or PC-driven product. Any time you are asked and run any type of update (and get new updated software) they check against the owner registries. There are serial numbers on a host of components and they compare against that, as well as legal licensing agreements, illegally downloaded media and on and on.
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And that is what is actually known about in the public spectrum.
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Now, factor in that most of the programing for many of the products is no longer done here in the US (or overseen by US ideologies) and you can easily see and find Easter Eggs, spyware, "open doors", keys, passwords, and on and on legally added to the software and hardware codes and firmware.Â
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If you have a product that accesses the internet (this includes printers and add on devices -- including things like computer enhanced sewing machines) to get updates, you are opening the door to a whole different set of vulnerabilities. They are security measures the manufacturers put in place so they can (like Apple did here) block certain content or remotely fix an ailing piece of equipment if necessary.
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Oh, and goes for the government equipment, too. They also have the same open door policies installed on their equipment which, again, allows them to be accessed and vulnerable.
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The only safe way of using the internet is to not use it (or use it a someone else's house or the library, lol).