Java for Mac OS X v10.6 Update 13 - should I install it?

If you are using 10.5 (x) and 10.6 (x) OSs I understand the recommendation is to disable them via Safari > security tab. On Lion family OSs Java has as good as been disabled permanently any way. Which means downloading the update would be ineffective.

Yes, you should install it.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5666

Morning Klaus1,

So does that mean that disabling Java is no longer necessary?

That is still highly recommended except in the rare circumstances where you might need it for a specific website (like your bank for example), but you can always turn it off again after.

Javascript, which is unrelated, should be left on.

You may get a specific message saying that you need to enable Java, which might show the Java logo, the coffee cup, but not necessarily. time.gov, the official time website I know uses Java. In this case, I just get a plugin disabled notice. Clicking on Manage plugins in my case brings me to plugins in Firefox, where I have Java disabled.

Christopher. Klaus will come back, I'm sure. But in case he doesn't it is generally only banks that you will need it for. For some odd ball reason they think it is the height of security when with macs, it isn't.

Can I take it from your question that you needed to turn Java off?

As WZZZ and 71 say: you will know when you need it.

Java applets may be re-enabled by clicking the region labeled "Inactive plug-in" on a web page. If no applets have been run for an extended period of time, the Java web plug-in will deactivate.

If the Java web plug-in deactivates, does that mean it will not operate when I need it, i.e. banking websites?

No, it just means that it won't activate again until you activate it.