Oracle Java Runtime (JRE) Update Released

 

Oracle released the scheduled update for its Java SE Runtime Environment software.  This is a bugfix update.  

Download Information:  

Java SE Runtime Environment Version 8u431: https://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp. 

Java Security Recommendations

1) If Java is still installed on your computer, it is recommended that all updates be applied as soon as possible and older, less secure, versions uninstalled.  See Why should I uninstall older versions of Java from my system?
2) In the Java Control Panel, at minimum, set the security to high.
3) Keep Java disabled until needed.  Uncheck the box "Enable Java content in the browser" in the Java Control Panel.

Notes:

• UNcheck any pre-checked toolbar and/or software options presented with the update. They are not part of the software update and are completely optional.  Preferably, see the instructions below on how to handle "Unwanted Extras".  
• Oracle does not plan to migrate desktops from Java 8 to Java 9 through the auto update feature.  Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you uninstall JRE 8 prior to updating.
• Verify your version:  http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp.   Note: The Java version verification page will only work if your browser has NPAPI support.  In that case, to check the version, open a cmd window and enter the following (note the space following Java):  java -version
• Important:  If you have a need to use Java, see which browser support it at Browsers That Still Support Java & How to Enable It.

Patch Schedule

For Oracle Java SE, the next scheduled update is January 21, 2025.  The planned release schedule is available here.

Unwanted "Extras"

Although most people do not need Java on their computer, there are some programs and games that require Java.  In the event you need to continue using Java, How-to Geek discovered a little-known and publicized option in the Java Control Panel to suppress the offers for the pre-checked unwanted extras that Oracle has long included with the updates.  Although the Ask Toolbar has been removed, that does not preclude the pre-checked option for some other unnecessary add-on.

Do the following to suppress the sponsor offers:

1. Launch the Windows Start menu
2. Click on Programs
3. Find the Java program listing
4. Click Configure Java to launch the Java Control Panel
5. Click the Advanced tab and go to the "Miscellaneous" section at the bottom.
6. Check the box by the “Suppress sponsor offers when installing or updating Java” option and click OK.

References

• Java, The Never-Ending Saga  
• Critical Patch Updates and Security Alerts
• Release Notes
• Oracle Java SE Risk Matrix 
• Oracle Security Blog 

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Mozilla Firefox Version 131.0.3 Released with Updates

   Mozilla sent Firefox Version 131.0.3 to the Release Channel.

Fixed

• Fixed an issue where some users could not access the Bill Pay portion of their bank's site. (Bug 1923500).
• Fixed an issue where some VR180 and 360 videos were not properly rendering on YouTube. (Bug 1922278).
• Fixed a crash that Windows users with Avast or AVG security software were experiencing when visiting certain sites. (Bug 1919678).
• Fixed an issue where the "List all tabs" button was not able to be moved from the toolbar. (Bug 1918681).

Update: To get the update now, select "Help" from the Firefox menu, then pick "About Firefox".  Mac users need to select "About Firefox" from the Firefox menu.  For non-English versions, Fully Localized Versions are available for download.

Release Notes

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Pale Moon Version 33.4.0.1 Released

  Pale Moon has been updated to version 33.4.0.1.  This is a small update to address two important issues.

Changes/fixes:

• Extension compatibility issues with the ghostbuster (leading to tab handling problems).
• Windows 7 compatibility issues in 32-bit builds on some systems (leading to application UI paint failures/black window).

Pale Moon includes both 32- and 64-bit versions for Windows: Pale Moon for Windows downloads.

Update: To get the update now, select "Help" from the Pale Moon menu at the upper left of the browser window.  Select About Pale Moon > Check for Updates.

Release Notes
Release Cycle

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...