HT5228: About the security content of Java for OS X Lion 2012-002 and Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 7

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Level 1

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HT5228: About the security content of Java for OS X Lion 2012-002 and Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 7

Is it recommended to install this update? I'm using a Macbook Pro (late 2011), OS X Lion 10.7.3

I ran software update today and this security update didn't even show up in the items to be installed. Someone (i.e. Bob Harris from another thread) mentioned that "Software Update ONLY downloads and installs the patch if you actually have Java installed; it is not installed by default on 10.7" (see thread: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3853951?tstart=0). Does this mean I don't even have to install this update, since I don't have Java installed? Because I honestly don't know if I have Java installed or not. I'm not exactly a techie.

Thanks.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Apr 9, 2012 9:58 PM

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Answer 1

BobHarris

Level 9

53,225 points

Apr 10, 2012 6:22 AM in response to zyme

Does this mean I don't even have to install this update, since I don't have Java installed?

yes

The update provides a fixed Java. If you do not have Java installed and do not want Java installed, then applying the update would result in installing the Java you did not want nor need, hence Software Update did not try to install the Java update.

There are valid reasons for having Java installed on your system, but only if you have a need. For example, there are some 3rd party utilities that are implemented using Java (a programming language). On rare instances, there are some web sites that use Java (very rare these days) to give you an interactive experience, and you happen to want/need to work with that web site.

But for the most part Java is not needed, which is why Apple no longer installs Java by default.

If you have Java installed, then System Preferences -> Software Update -> Check Now, will offer you the Java update. If it isnot installed, Software Update will not offer the update.

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