Tag: Java Update

Recent Jobs

Remote support to install Adobe Reader and do Java Updates, without the unwanted bundled software.

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Remote support to install Adobe Reader and do Java Updates, without the unwanted bundled software.

A regular client was having trouble with her Java Updates and asked me to log in from my office to hers to sort it out. I also installed Adobe Reader at her request. Both of these required me to side-step additional software that Java (Oracle) and Adobe want to install as part of the process. Such additional software is classed as Potentially Unwanted Programs but is commonly known as a virus or trojan; you’re getting the gift of free software (the wooden horse) but it comes with unwanted software (the invading army). All done safely in 20 minutes.

Unwanted software will be installed unless you un-tick (un-check) the option for the “recommended” software. The free software you want, Adobe and Oracle in this case, get paid when the additional bundled software is installed. Adobe and Oracle are reputable companies, but most free software comes with additional software that people don’t want and it’s often hidden. My advice is, if in doubt, ask me to log in and do it for you. It saves time (and money) in the long run.

If you want me to log in and help you, click Home in the menu bar above, and click Get Remote Support Now to install the software. You can phone me on the numbers on the top-right of the screen too.

Recent Jobs

Virus/Malware Removal, Memory Upgrade, Java Update Fix, New PC Set-up

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Virus/Malware Removal, Memory Upgrade, Java Update Fix, New PC Set-up

Here’s a few recent jobs that I can remember off the top of my head:

istartsurf Browser Search HijackRemote Virus, Malware, and unwanted programs removal. This image shows a browser search hijack, where instead of opening a Google.com search page it opens a different search page. This was done without the client’s knowledge, probably as a result of downloading free software from somewhere.

Memory upgrade (more RAM).

Remote to fix a Java update that wouldn’t install properly.

New PC setup, including security, and data transfer.

IT Tips

Remove old versions of Java to help keep your computer secure (easy guide)

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Remove old versions of Java to help keep your computer secure (easy guide)
Remove old versions of Java to help keep your computer secure (easy guide)

If you want to know more about Java then there is some background information after these instructions.

Let’s get straight to it.  Here’s what to do today:

1. First, check that you have the current version of Java by going here http://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp and clicking “Verify Java Version”, and following the on-screen prompts, including “Run” to “Do you want to run this application”.

2.  When you have the recommended version, click the link (underlined text) in the box entitled “Windows Users”.  Again, Run the application when prompted.

3.  Click “I agree to the Terms and Want to Continue”.  Read the terms first, of course 😉

4.  Follow any instructions to remove old versions.

5.  When you see the page that says “There are no old versions of Java on your computer”, then you’re done for today.

If you get stuck, contact me to arrange for technical support from me.  If you’re local I can visit you, or if not I can access your computer remotely and securely (with your permission) and sort it out for you.

And, in the future:

1.  Always update Java when an update is available

2.  Be careful that it’s a genuine Java Update, not a fake one that is really a virus.

3.  When installing Java Updates, decline the extra software they recommend you install; this is a way Oracle earns money from Java, by installing other software too that generates income from them.  The generation of that income usually comes from the sale of your eyeballs by showing adverts, or your data by tracking your internet use.  See my post here http://www.bowenracing.com/2013/02/java-update-doing-naughty-things-again-trojan/

Background to Java

Java is a programming language.  You probably have it installed on your computer, phone, and tablet already.  It allows software writers to write one piece of software that will run on many types of device and operating system.  So, Java is very useful.

Unfortunately, if it’s useful for people to write software we can all use, it’s also useful to those who want to use it for bad stuff.  Virus writers, hackers, and ‘potentially unwanted program’ designers can all use the flaws (vulnerabilities) in Java to infect your devices.  Oracle, the owners of Java, then realise their software has security vulnerabilities and then ‘patch’ the holes with Java updates.

Unfortunately, the Java updates sometimes leave old versions of Java on the computer, including the security vulnerabilities, which can still be used.

If you didn’t already do it, go back to the top of this page and check you have the current version and remove old versions using my instuctions.

If you get any problems, please contact me to arrange for tech support from me.

Thanks.

IT News

Java Update doing naughty things again – Trojan

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Java Update doing naughty things again – Trojan

In this post, I will explain how Java Updater tries to install unwanted software on your computer, what could happen if it does, and what simple steps you should take to prevent it.

Java is installed on most people’s computers; it’s a programming language that is required on many websites and some software.  It’s also a target for hackers, so you need to keep it up to date.  Unfortunately, when you update Java, it tries to install software you don’t want too.

In September, I explained on Facebook (CBits on Facebook – please Like) that Java Update would install some McAfee software which slows down the computer and would then bug users to buy the full version.

Now, Java Update is trying to install the Ask Toolbar.  The Ask Toolbar takes over your computer’s web search functions and instead of getting the useful results you expect from companies like Google and Bing, you get sent to MyWebSearch results which are primarily adverts for which Ask gets paid.  It’s very hard to tell which results are adverts, and which are the proper results that you’re looking for.

Worse still, if you make the mistake of installing the Ask Toolbar, it is hidden from the “remove software” option in Control Panel for the next 10 minutes.  The only possible reason for this behaviour is to stop people from removing the unwanted software.

In my opinion, if software you install or update also changes a different function of of your computer, then it’s a trojan; a type of virus.

So, what can you do?  Well, look out for the Java Update icon in the bottom right of your screen.  When you get it, take time to update it properly without the Ask Toolbar.

When you run the Java Updater, look out for the tick-box next to “Install the Ask Toolbar and make Ask my default search Provider”.  Untick that box, then click Next, and follow the rest of the instructions.

If you’ve installed Ask Toolbar by mistake, you can probably uninstall it (after 10 minutes) from the Add/Remove Software function in Control Panel.  If you need help or advice, please let me know.

Many people who get things like this on their computer also have other things that need clearing off and sorting out.  If you want the best experience from your computer, you can find information on my tune-up services here.  The Express Tune-up can be done remotely (via the internet), so contact me now, and within the hour you could have a faster, better computer.