For Mac OS X received unexpectedly wide discussion and immediate stakeholder response. Apple managed to secure the users of its systems remotely and blocked the Java plug-in in Safari, correcting the content of the system file that sets the requirements for the minimum allowable version of plug-ins. The operating system checks daily updates of this file on Apple servers, so the process did not require any participation and went completely unnoticed by everyone.
As far as Oracle is concerned, it took just three days to compose an update, and now anyone in need can download the latest version of Java for Mac OS first-hand. However, in the next few days, security experts began to receive reports that the patch did not eliminate all possible loopholes. Summarizing these claims, the bottom line is short and bleak: the platform is still vulnerable. So much so that some radicals are advising to completely remove Java from Mac OS. And if this is so, a natural question arises: is this little thing really necessary for the poppy-grower and is there not some wonderful button, by pressing it once, you can ensure that you have no problems for the rest of your life?
First of all, I must say that you may need Java on Mac OS in only two cases: either you use programs written in this language (for example, the well-known backup service Crashplan), or surf on Safari on sites that use Java programs (often called applets). Before all this can work on your computer, you need to install a software component that has different names - once used by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), now the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is more common. You can download it from the link given in the paragraph above. In common parlance, they just use Java, and for brevity we will stick to this option.
For many years, Apple has released its own version of Java as part of the operating system (today it is Java 6 for Mac OS X). Politics paid off at a time when the company's success was not as deafening as it is today, and the major software vendors did not find the Mac platform worthy of attention. Much has changed since then, Apple's market share has grown exponentially, and the company's management has decided to shift responsibility for product support into the hands of its creators. Starting with Mac OS Lion, the JRE was no longer part of the operating system, so many newbies had to investigate the question: is there actually any chance of using Java on Mac OS? Mac users probably benefited from this decision, since Apple provided support a little on a leftover basis and usually it was possible to update Java on a Mac much later than the original Oracle updates.
Returning to the age-old question “what to do?”, We get a simple answer: it depends on you. If you can't do without a Java program, you have no choice. And if your favorite site is running Java applets, and you don’t want to part with it, the answer is the same: you need to install the JRE. Well, if nothing like this happens in your life, everything is much easier - you can relax and have fun.
If you decide to install a component, this is where the nuances begin. You have a choice: download Java 6 for Mac from the Apple website or upgrade to version 7 using the link in the first paragraph. The Apple variant is different in that the execution of Java applets in Safari is blocked, so if you need working sites, it will not work for you. With regard to the applications installed on the computer, they will work fine (unless otherwise approved by the program manufacturer). My machine is proof of this - Java 6 and Crashplan get along well on it with each other.
If you decide to upgrade Java to version 7 from Oracle, you will have to meet some requirements: your system must be at least Mac OS X 10.7.3, and your browser must be 64-bit (this means that the plugin will not work in Chrome, only in Safari and Firefox). The restrictions cannot be called too strict, so that most of those in need can easily use this version. Just keep in mind that it is considered insecure, so if your Mac is already equipped with Java 6, it might be wise to stay with it. At least until some tragic hole is found in this version.
The funny thing is that on systems 10.7 and 10.8, both Java 6 and Java 7 can be installed at the same time. If this is your case and you want to bring version 6 back to life, Apple has a hint, which also allows you to environment, with working browser plugins (by default they are deactivated by the October update). However, to take advantage of this advice, you will need knowledge of English and command line skills.
If you are looking for a combination of reasonable security and familiar work comfort, I would advise you to switch to the Chrome browser. It is good because when interacting with Java 6, it warns you every time a Java applet tries to run on the site, and in Java 7, Chrome does not allow applets at all, since they are incompatible. Thus, you will always be insured against a gangster's bullet when surfing freely. Use Safari or Firefox to visit trusted, trusted Java sites. And the wolves are fed, and the sheep are safe ...
How to determine if there is Java at all on your Mac OS and if so, which version?
If you are on Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.6 - 99% for the system is equipped with version 6. To verify this, find the Java Preferences application in the Utilities folder.
If you are running 10.7 or 10.8 and there is a Java icon in System Preferences, you have version 7 installed.
But finding version 6 on Lions with all the updates installed is not so easy. To do this, you can go to the site http://javatester.org/version.html and use your browser to check. Or type the following line in the Terminal:
In response, you will receive something like:
java version “1.6.0_37”
Java (TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_37-b06-434-11M3909)
Java HotSpot (TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 20.12-b01-434, mixed mode)
The numbers “1.6.0_37” means that version 6 with update number 37 is running. For reference, this is the last update that was released by Apple.
And finally, the last question: what to do if you want to remove Java from Mac OS and forget about it forever? Naturally, there may be some of those who picked up Flashback last year. You will find the answer. Everything is pretty simple there.
Some more Java 7 questions are kindly covered by Oracle here on this page. Curiosity and you may find some usefulness there.
Java is a programming language and, at the same time, an environment for the execution of programs, applications written in this language. Simply put, if there is an actual version of Java for your operating system, then when you install it on your computer, it will be possible to run all programs written in this language. The obvious advantage of this software product from Oracle is its versatility... It doesn't matter if you are a Mac or PC user, Java applications will work equally well on your system.
Most of our clients do not fully understand how everything works. Many versions of Java and its installation options are confusing and sometimes interfere with the normal operation of the computer. In our practice, it happened that in the presence of, it would seem, all the necessary versions of Java, it was not possible to simply install some software on a Mac. We tried to figure it out and give instructions for the correct installation and removal of this software product.
What is Java "made of"?
Java "consists" of two parts:
Runtime environment
It is a virtual machine that installs on your system and executes commands written in Java. In its minimal execution, Oracle and Apple call this part Java SE (Standard Edition) Runtime Enviroment or JRE for short.
Internet plugin
In fact, it is an add-on to the runtime that allows you to connect your browser to it. Apple documentation uses the term Java SE 6 applet plug-in.
Historical excursion
Throughout the history of the tenth Mac OS family, Apple has built both a Java runtime and an Internet plug-in into its operating system. Need to visit Oracle website and download Java did not have, everything could be "taken" from Apple. With the release of the third update of Java 10.6 for OS X, Cupertino warned that Apple will soon stop supporting the development of its own version of the runtime and may not have it in future versions of the operating system. Last October, Apple's plans were confirmed with the release of the Java update for OS X 2012–006, which simultaneously updated the runtime to version 1.6.0_37 and removed pre-installed Apple Internet plug-in. The Java configuration program was removed along the way. Since last October, Cupertino has been recommending that all Mac users download and install an Internet plugin from the official developer, Oracle.
Java for OS X 2012–006 provides improved security, reliability, and compatibility by updating Java SE 6 to version 1.6.0_37.
This update removes the Apple-provided Java applet plugin from all web browsers. To use applets on a web page, click the area labeled "Inactive Plugin" to download the latest version of the Java Applet Plugin developed and provided by Oracle.
Shut down all web browsers and Java programs before installing this update.
Details on this update can be found at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5493?viewlocale=en_US.
Additional security information for this update can be found at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222?viewlocale=en_US
Installing Java
At the moment, most of us on our Macs have a runtime (Java SE Runtime Enviroment) version 1.6.0_37, developed in Cupertino, and an Internet plug-in (Java SE applet plug-in), version 7u11 (if at one time you followed the advice Apple and downloaded it from Oracle website). Check the version installed runtime environments on your computer, you can enter a simple command in the Terminal:
Check version internet plugin and the correctness of its installation is possible.
This is how the Oracle website looks like after a successfully passed test for the correct installation of the Internet plugin
You no longer have to rely on Apple for Java updates, and life does not stand still. Oracle has long released the Java SE 7 runtime (as opposed to Java SE 6, which was last updated in Cupertino) and many modern tasks may require it. The seventh runtime is available for Mac users only in the Java SE Development Kit and only 64-bit version. This development kit (JDK) includes both a runtime environment (JRE) and an internet plugin. Since old programs can run on the computer, 32-bit Java is highly desirable. Therefore, it will not be possible to limit ourselves to the only Java latest version from Oracle, it is required save and an old version of the Apple runtime (without it, for example, you won't be able to install ArchiCAD on a Mac).
So what do you need to do to make sure you have all the Java you need on your Mac?
- Download and Install Java SE 7 Development Kit
You can download the installer from the manufacturer's website, Oracle,. The required version is Mac OS X x64. Installation is extremely simple and doesn't require any special skills from you.
Make sure Java SE 6 version 1.6.0_37 from Apple is installed
The Java version is checked with a terminal command:
The response received should be as follows:
java version “1.6.0_37”
Java (TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_37-b06-434-11M3909)
Java HotSpot (TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 20.12-b01-434, mixed mode)
If Java on your Mac is only version 7 and the response to the terminal command looks like this:
java version “1.7.0_11”
Java (TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_11-b21)
Java HotSpot (TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 23.6-b04, mixed mode),
Removing Java
If you were scared by the numerous news about vulnerabilities in Java and you decided to abandon it, then read our article "". Didn't we convince you? OK. Removing Java is incredibly easy.
- To uninstall the Java SE 6 Runtime (from Apple) open in Finder Macintosh HD → System → Libraries → Java → JavaVirtualMachines and move the file named "1.6.0.jdk" to the trash.
- To uninstall Java SE 7 Development Environment (from Oracle) open in Finder Macintosh HD → Libraries → Java → JavaVirtualMachines and move the file named "jdk1.7.0" with the extension ".jdk" to the trash.
- To uninstall the Java internet plugin open in Finder Macintosh HD → Libraries → Internet Plug-Ins and move the file named "JavaAppletPlugin.plugin" to the trash
Finally, here is a link to an English-language article in the Apple knowledge base, which very briefly describes how to get Java SE 6 (from Apple) back in place.
Some Mac users require installing Java in OS X El Capitan, perhaps for compatibility with a particular web site or application, or because they’re a java developer. But Apple has becoming increasingly strict with Java, and by default it is no longer installed with a, and you’ll find that after updating a Mac a prior version of JRE or JDK may no longer function.
Additionally, when trying to use some particular applications or web content, you may come across a “This application requires the legacy Java SE 6 runtime which is unavailable for this version of OS X.” error message, which means if you want to run that app you’re going to need to use an older version of Java.
Whatever the case, if you need Java JRE or Java JDK in OS X 10.11 or later, here’s how you can install it.
To be clear, if you do not need Java, you should not install Java. And if you’re not sure whether you need Java or not, that means you probably do not need Java at all, and you can also avoid installing java.
An update on my post-post.
Called Apple support, no help or idea.
Contact Chat Apple support, same, suggested uninstall.
I did and still no good.
Continued to read and research continually trying to update to 8-101.
Followed the disable of SIP and tried again. Same.Decided to try and go for the JDK 8-102 dmg and while in disable mode unpacked and it installed without any issue.
Checked and installation is confirmed.Will now enable the SIP, but TBH unsure if that helped with the JDK or not. One thing is sure, I could not upgrade JRE 8-101 anyway at all.
> Nobody should ever need to install Java,
> the risks far outweigh the benefits.That’s a bit harsh. I’m sure you don’t know what you are taking about. Java is neither less nor more secure than other programming languages (in some ways it is still even way more secure than Obj-C or Swift).
If you refer to the Java Browser plugin: yes, this one should not be installed (or disabled) if possible. The same is true for any other browser plugin (i. E. Flash, silverlight, ..).
There are still mayor applications build with Java. It's better to have a single, system wide, regularly updated Java than to force developers to package their own JRE with the application and which then gets outdated and insecure over time.
That is hilarious. Please keep your advice to yourself until you have a clue. The vast majority of webapps today are built on Java. Only a script kiddie would say somethng as stupid as that.
Guys,
Spare time for s new boy.
Had an update msg to update 8 91 to 8 101 on the iMac and it D / L’s the file. After opening the file detect Third party offer and net next. The Oracle window with 3 Billion users opens, removes existing bar ends and the box disappears and nothing more happens.
Tried D / L from oracle site, same file, same result.
Might be due to new iMac, new Apple update, TBH unsure.
There is something stopping it following through.
If I disable SIP and go ahead with Java instal and update etc. Might it work? Is it a case of enabling again?
Any further updates and follow the same process?
Spent hours researching and unable to see a reason for this. New iMac, OSX updated a week ago.
I seem to feel this may not be the way forward on getting Java, so asking for help ... please.
A lot to learn.
Hot damn! I’ve been tackling this issue for an app that mysteriously wouldn’t run and I didn’t realize that “upgrading” my OS to El Cap would cause Java not to run or even appear to be installed. After following the info posted here I was able to successfully install the Java SDK and my app runs once again. Thank you very much for the info, it was a huge help.
After I upgraded to El Capitan, I ignorantly followed the prompt to install or update Java (I don’t remember which) and now I get this popup every few hours:
To use the “java” command-line tool you need to install a JDK. Click “More Info…” to visit the Java Developer Kit download website. More Info… / OK.
And when I click on More Info, it tells me Chrome doesn’t support the Java plug-in. How do I make the popup stop?
The question is if one really needs Java. If yes, identify which version do you need. For me I had just one application which required Java 6 so the link on this page just made by day without any restarts and disabling rootless SIP.
A few things I’ve discovered:
The Runtime Edition (for running Java applets on web pages, for example), apparently needs to be installed in / Library / Internet Plug-ins. On my El Capitan system, it's called “JavaAppletPlugin.plugin” and it's 178MB.
The Java Development Kit, needed for developing Java applications, goes in / Library / Java / JavaVirtualMachines.
It’s unfortunate that Apple requires this “dual installation”. Still, I don’t quite understand the whole anti-Java jihad. Sure, it has some problems with security. Show me a major software system that doesn’t. Java remains by most accounts the most-used language for business applications, and it seems to me to be an admirably complete environment that does its best to keep you from shooting yourself in the foot. By contrast, the C ++ I’ve lately been studying seems rather old-fashioned in some ways.
This article doesn’t describe * which * of the Java selections on Oracle’s download page you need to choose.
Choose the JDK, the first one you’re presented with. Choosing the JRE (which _should_ be adequate, but isn’t) won’t work.
So you're running Java, huh? God help you.
I installed java but my computer keeps asking me stating “to use the java command-line tool you need to install a JDK”: any thoughts about what this is all about? Many thanks
If a website or application is requiring you to install Java, reach out to the owner / administrator of said website or application, and ask them to fix it. Nobody should ever need to install Java, the risks far outweigh the benefits.
I have updated to El Capitain, and then downloaded Java (it asked me to do so, and I didn’t think too much about it). Now it gets regularly stuck, I can’t turn off my mac in a regular way, and it keeps on popping up on my dock. Uninstalling does not seem to work, neither does updating / downgrading it. “Geniuses” do no have any answer for this, and I can’t find a good fix online. Suggestions?
How is it you write an article on how to install java (you get it from oracle, just as we always have) but make no mention / warning of the adware they may try to install?
New OS releases are NEVER ready for primetime. Nobody should EVER load a new OS release before a couple updates or a year has gone by.
Of course, I’ve always updated my OS same day and had no significant issues.
On my freshly installed El Capitan, I installed latest version of jdk (from Oracle) this evening without any problem. Not really sure what this article about !!
My two cents on this and a host of other apps that don’t work
with El Capitan ... is DO NOT SWITCH OVER TO CAPITAN.
It is not ready for prime time. I have been dealing with a tech at Apple for two weeks to just get my email to work. Guess what. The Mac engineer’s do not have a fix for this yet. What is Tim Cook doing on his watch? No pun intended. Jobs would never have let this horse out of the barn until it was ready to run properly. Save your time and energy.
