How to disable Java in your web browser
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By now you have probably heard about a new Java vulnerability that is been actively exploited on the Internet. I do not want to rehash all that has been said, and would like to suggest articles on ZDnet and Securelist for that which should provide you with an overview of the threat. Only that much: only Java 7.x is affected by the vulnerability.
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However according to the article this thread started with,,,,,more than just java version 7 is suspect....
I have tried to clean up the links...i think I got them working.
My rule of thumb - if you don't need Java, uninstall it.
Most people do not need it. The only thing I have ever seen it used for by casual users (and I am in the software development field and I don't even have it installed) is little online mortgage calculators, some online games like Minecraft, or cable modem speed tests.
And if you are not sure if it you need it, uninstall it anyway. You can always download an re-install it. It will be obvious when you need it.
There has been discussion that it is not so easy to disable in IE 8 or IE 9. These instructions supposedly work.