Protect Your Computer: Turn Off Java

As we discussed in a previous article, Java has become the #1 way for malicious hackers to break into your computer, using Java's numerous security problems to install malware, viruses, or password stealers. This is a problem for ANY computer with Java installed, PC or Mac.

The worst part is, the vast majority people have NO use for Java on their computer. Java is a relic of the early 2000s, when Java applets added needed functionality to web browsers. It has long been surpassed by other technologies. It is time to remove Java from your computer. Here's how.

You have 2 options for removing Java from your computer. If you don't know what Java is, and haven't seen the Java logo (see image), then you likely have never used it and can remove it once and for all (Option #1 below). If, in the very unlikely event you find that you do need Java sometime in the future, you can always reinstall it from the Java website.

If you have seen the Java logo recently, and aren't sure if you want to completely remove it, you can disable it from running in your web browser. See Option #2 below.

Option #1: Remove Java Completely

Luckily, this is quite easy. Click on Start -> Settings ->Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs. Find any entries that begin with "Java 2" - it should be something like "Java Runtime Environment". Remove it and then restart your computer. All done!

Option #2: Disable Java in your Web Browser

This depends on which web browser you use.

Firefox:

1. Click on Tools in the Firefox menu
2. Choose Add-ons
3. Choose the Plugins tab
4. Click on any entries that start with Java
5. Click Disable
   
   
   

Internet Explorer:

1. Click on Tools in the IE menu
2. Choose Internet Options
3. Click on the Programs tab, then click on Manage Add-ons
4. Click on any entries that start with Java
5. Click Disable

Google Chrome:

1. In the address bar, type: "about: plugins"
2. Find the Java plugins and click Disable

Safari:

1. Click on the Edit menu and choose Preferences
2. Choose the Security icon
3. Uncheck the box that says "Enable Java"