What is a Java Update and is it Safe?

Safe Updates: Java

I receive many calls and emails in regards to 'UPDATES' and many of you don’t do them (‘eek!’) because you are unsure whether it is safe to do so

Please remember that its OK not to know these things because no one told you in the first place and this knowledge will help to save you time stress and in the end… money

Many are very safe and, in fact, to ensure the security of your PC, its a good thing to do. Updates are usually intended to fix security problems, which makes your computer safer

In order to help you make sense of the confusion I thought I’d put together a quick Step-By-Step for the main ones that will pop up and nag you from time to time [print Page 3.]

What Is Java?

An icon is appearing down the bottom in your task bar, that looks like a little orange coffee cup and it keeps asking you to update something called; JAVA

As you may or may not know, computer programs are written in different technical languages. One of these languages is called 'Java'. A program written in Java will work on many different kinds of computers, such as PCs and Macs.

from the java site def: Java is a programming language and computing platform first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It is the underlying technology that powers state-of-the-art programs including utilities, games, and business applications. Java runs on more than 850 million personal computers worldwide, and on billions of devices worldwide, including mobile and TV devices.

In other words Java allows you to do such things as 

• chat with family and friends worldwide, 
• play online games, 
• view images,  just to name a few. 

It's also integral to the intranet applications and other e-business solutions that are the foundation of corporate computing.

Why do I need Java?

There are lots of applications and websites that won't work unless you have Java installed, and more are created every day. 


Java is fast, secure, and reliable. From laptops to data centres, game consoles to scientific supercomputers, mobile phones to the Internet, Java is everywhere!

Is Java free to download?

Yes, Java is free to download. Get the latest version at http://java.com.

Why Java Needs Updating

The Java program already exists on your PC if it is asking to be updated. To run programs written in Java language, you need a Java "runtime environment." So if your computer is nagging you to "update Java," then your computer has a Java runtime environment already— and it is out of date.

Java is NOT JavaScript. They are completely different. They share a name only because of a marketing decision made by Netscape and Sun years and years ago. Many web pages rely on JavaScript for important features you want.

What You Should Do

You have two reasonable choices:

1. Update Java whenever you are asked to. This is safe— the Java runtime environment is a product of Sun Microsystems, a very respectable company. It is already on your computer. When you refuse to update Java (or Windows, or MacOS...) you are often taking a very big risk by refusing to fix security problems.
2. Uninstall Java completely. Yes, you can do this and it is safe. The negative consequence is that if you are using any programs or websites that rely on Java, you will not be able to use those programs or websites correctly any more unless you install Java again.

 HINT: Updates are necessary – Upgrades are not

UPDATE JAVA: Step-by-Step

When a balloon pops up and asks you to install Java Updates

HOW?

Left click  Say Yes The Java Update Available screen will appear  Left Click Install The Java Setup will begin
Left Click Install again
The installation will begin showing you its progress. You do not have to do anything more	The Writing underneath is an ad for a freeware program call open office... ignore it at this point and ask me about it later

Note from MCT

Print the previous page and file it into your My Computer Tutor folder for future reference

When updating your programs the principles are basically the same

I will send you more of these handy guides as soon as I put them together

Please remember that its OK not to know these things because no one told you in the first place and this knowledge will help to save you time stress and in the end… money

Knowledge on how to maintain the health of your computer and how to stay safe on the net is becoming increasingly important, so please do not hesitate to continue to contact me with any concerns

Yours in PC Peace

Kim-Denyse

My Computer Tutor

PS: Stop stressing for hours alone in front of your PC. You are not alone.

Email: mycomptutor@gmail.com Or contact me via the website www.mycomputertutor.net.au

APRIL NEWS: NEW WEBSITE AND WEEKEND WORKSHOPS

I have news that may be of interest to you...

 

My Computer Tutor has a new and improved website with a little (HUGE) amount of help from my dear friend and computer genius Murray McAuliffe.

To check it out click on this link: (or copy and paste it into your address bar) www.mycomputertutor.net.au

 

Now you can contact me directly from there as well, by using the Contact Form that is on every page. You can also purchase the My Computer Tutor Course CDs from the Downloads page (great gift idea!).

 

Its brand new so I still have a couple of things to fiddle, fix and add. If you are curious enough to find some time to have a click around it and test it out, I would be very appreciative. (HINT: click on the Amazon Link to purchase your favourite books and CDs online). Any and all suggestions are welcome!

 

There is also a link to the Ning My Computer Tutor Network Site, so you can always get there quickly and easily to stay on contact with the other students or develop your own webpage (to promote your own stuff for free). I will also be constantly uploading Free Stuff on the My Computer Tutor Step-By-Step Guides Blogand you can 'Follow' me on Twitter if you tweet

 

Thanks to your continued support I am working towards my ultimate goal. My dream is to build a sustainable business teaching and selling the courses and workshops (I am constantly writing and rewriting), to not only Beginners, the Lost and the Confounded, but also to those Government
Agencies, Corporate and Philanthropic organisations who have the capacity to help people who (through life's unfairness) don't have the resources readily available to them e.g. at risk youth, indigenous Australians, women in 3^rd world countries, people with learning and physical disabilities, people who live in remote areas and the list goes on.I studied for my Diploma in Business Marketing and Cert IV in Business Management with higher goals than just the usual in mind

 

My Computer Tutor fills the void for providing ethical service and support to everyone who needs a helping hand in the confusion of this ever changing technological world, so that they can keep up and achieve whatever goals and dreams that they wish to achieve, safely and economically. Eventually I will be publishing a book on the subject and am eager to start Key Note speaking at community events.

 

I will begin to market the My Computer Tutor: Essential Computer Workshops in the next couple of weeks to Job Network Service Providers (for the long term
unemployed), Clubs, Groups and small businesses. If you know anyone you think would benefit from them or like to have me come and keynote speak at a function my hand is up!

 

Another IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

I have recently developed a workshop on just Photos... how to import, scan, edit, email, create slideshows, upload them to web albums and a lot more!

 

This workshop is not only essential for home use but for people who are Scrapbooking, researching their ancestry, businesses who are marketing their product, artists, fashion designers etc etc

 

You have a choice between

1. attending a 3 hour Workshop that will be held at Quick Smart Computers on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon 2-5 (min 3 people) @$75ea
2. 1 to 1 tuition in your home (or in my home office) for $135 (+ $10 travelling exp if you live north of Main Beach, south of Miami or west of Merrimac)

You will receive a free Picasa program and a Course CD + 1 free hour of remote assistance after the course

 

Why not phone a friend or two for a fun afternoon together?

Please contact me ASAP to book in your preferred date and time. First in best dressed.

 

My joy has been, and will always be, working One 2 One with you and I wish to thank you so much for all of your continuing support.

 

If I don't hear from you I will assume that you have reached your goals and you are happy with what you are currently doing, but... remember that I am here if you need me, whether I come to your home, you come to me, or I provide immediate remote assistance.

 

Help is only a phone call or an email away

 

I look forward to hearing from you soon

 

PS: remember you can call me on SKYPE for FREE kim.denyse