April 13, 2012

Do you have multiple versions of Java installed and are you sure that you have the latest version? Web browser add-ons that we take for granted can be an often overlooked area of insecurity on your computer. I have seen numerous computers with 2 and 3 versions of Java installed. It used to be simple to identify as each Java version had its own directory but now all Java versions are installed in the same directory.

Oracle (the owners of Java) recommends that you remove older versions:

“Keeping old and unsupported versions of Java on your system presents a serious security risk.
Removing older versions of Java from your system ensures that Java applications will run with the most up-to-date security and performance improvements on your system.”

You have a few options here.

1: Go to http://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp which can automatically detect what Java you have installed on your computer. I had issues with it personally.

2: Download and run JavaRa from Majorgeeks. This simple utility will scan for and remove older versions as well as check for the latest version.

3: Go to Programs (or Add\Remove Programs) in your control panel and look for Java versions installed. Because they currently have two different versions available we prefer you use option 1 or 2 in that order depending on your computer knowledge.

If you don’t have the latest Java installed you can download it from Majorgeeks.