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Java and humble apologies

Avatar Alan Cox
Well, starting with 'humble apologies', I regret to say that I caused a fatal error by typing Java into the search box of Discussions. I don't know when the funeral will be.

Now to Java. Some time ago, I think it was Euan who told us not to instal Java unless we really needed it (but I think there was a bit of software with a similar name that was OK). Now then, I want to open BookSmart.app which I have used a number of times to make jolly good photo books (in my opinion!). However, when I click on its icon I get the following message from on high: "To open "Smart.app" you need to install the legacy Java SE 6 runtime". So . . . please someone, what is my best course of action? I really do want to use BookSmart.

Re: Java and humble apologies

Avatar Euan Williams
Hi Alan, Happy New Year to you and everyone.
Adobe’s InDesign among other applications also requires Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to work.

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) should always be kept up to the latest appropriate and available standard. JRE is the Java your Application is looking for. Java Script (not the same animal) should normally be left available in Browsers. JRE is best left “off” for browsers to avoid subversive hacker activity.

Apple no longer maintain and supply Java JRE for OS X, and Java 6 is definitely legacy, and to be used only if you are running any OS X version PRIOR to Lion. Java 6 is offered by Apple here:
> http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1572 <

Yosemite installers do NOT include Java at all, leaving this support entirely to Oracle. If your System Preferences window shows “Java”, the Update tab will show which version of Java you have installed, and offers to “Check for Updates automatically” - this should be ticked. With Lion and later you should be running Java 8, and you will need to download and install it.

Download Java 8
Go to > http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html <

Oracle offers three download options: “JDK”, “Server JRE”, and “JRE”.
You need JRE (Java Runtime Environment) - at 31st Dec 2014 this is "Java SE 8u25". See “Which Java package do I need?” just below the choices.

Download and install normally. Click on “Java” Control Panel in System Prefs this will appear in the bottom row of prefs. After a pause the Java CP will open in a separate window.

Go to tab “Update”
“Check for updates automatically” should be checked

Go to tab “Security”
“Enable Java content in the browser” should be UN-checked. “Security level settings for applications not on the Exception Site list” and “Exception Site list” which allows applications from listed sites to run without security prompts, will be unavailable — this is correct.

More info?
This OS X Daily post from October 2014 gives more detail. Google “Apple Java Runtime” for more information.

Re: Java and humble apologies

Avatar Alan Cox
Well, Euan, my silence does not mean I have ignored your comprehensive dissection of my Java problem (I am embarrassed to talk about this in view of events in that sea of the same name).

I have actually read your piece several times and eventually my failing grey cells felt they had a grasp of the situation. So, I installed Java 8 - but sadly that made no difference to my wish to open BookSmart. I got the same message requiring Java Runtime etc. I felt that this was perhaps something to do with your last paragraph by which I opened a window wherein I thought I could enter my perverse application and open it - but I couldn't.

So I took a different route opening the website suggested rather obliquely by the stubborn BookSmart. This gave me an opportunity to download what seemed to be likely to be the same Java (8). However, the process worked a bit differently and I blushed when the process congratulated me on a successful installation.

I then went (again) to System prefs and got a different window on opening Java. This had all sorts but, specifically, a section that said something like "open BookSmart and suffer the consequences". I did this and BookSmart opened. Hurrah!!

Then I Googled Java Runtime again and came across many angry Mac users all suffering my problem. Then, on another site, I found the following "Java continues to be the MOST DANGEROUS SOFTWARE you can run on the Internet. This is specifically because of Oracle's removal of Java's sandboxing as well as Oracle's bad attitude about patching the multitudes of security flaws constantly being discovered in Java."

So do I get rid of Java (how?) .. .. .. .. or what?

Re: Java and humble apologies

Avatar Alan Cox
And, by the way, what on earth is an 'applet'?

Re: Java and humble apologies

Avatar Euan Williams
Hi Alan. Yes, Java does have a whole heap of critics, some more vociferous than others. Like Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader it attracts hackers and there is a constant battle - as there is everywhere - to fend them off with updates. That's why using only the latest versions from Oracle is wise. The same applies with all software in general use.

Sounds as though your BookSmart software has a mismatch with Oracle's current Java offering and maybe someone has resorted to a freelance hack to get it working. This is not good.

Instead of losing the "official" Oracle Java I would find a BookSmart replacement asap, and get rid of the (?unofficial) Java, but then I don't like treading on thin ice.

Instructions for uninstalling Java are here:
> https://www.java.com/en/download/help/mac_uninstall_java.xml <

In essence this simply involves removing the > JavaAppletPlugin.plugin < from:
Root > Library > Internet plug-ins >JavaAppletPlugin.plugin.

Your Mac, your choices.

Re: Java and humble apologies

Avatar Alan Cox
I am steadily getting out of my depth here but still trying (everyone's patience!).

Anyway, I have done what Euan said to get rid of Java but it ain't gone. By which i mean that its icon is till in the bottom row of System Prefs. However it now looks different. It has all the appearances of the Settings icon in my iPad. And clicking on it produces the snooty message that "Java" can't be opened because it isn't 'available'.

I haven't got rid of BookSmart (yet) but may well do so when I have explored a more recent version which is called BoookWright which I have downloaded from Blurb (sic!) and installed.
 
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