How does one remove old (and very old) versions of Java on Snow Leopard, (currently tolerating Java version 6)?

Thanks Mark, But...

There is no mention of old versions (before version 6) listed in my JavaPreferences.app.

But I know they are there as there is a list of 17 items in the 'about:plugins' and the Firefox Java Plugin info. (please see attachment)

I looked into JavaRa until I realised it's only for windows.

The only reason I want to get rid of them is because Sun suggests they are a security vulnerability, and that much I believe.

As I said, Sun has a terminal command for Lion (to remove old versions of Java), which I would be happy to use if I had the assurance that it would work on Snow Leopard. There must be a Terminal Command for Snow Leopard that does the same.

As much as I hate Java I'm happy to keep 1.6 (Version 6) just in case I need it sometime and I believe that some of my software depends on having it around - but not such early versions.

I have been very surprised how many Electronic Devices, not only computers, depend on this Swiss Cheese Program - and especially about the fact the 50% of malware comes through Java system holes.

The right Terminal Command would make my day. In the list below I only want to see the two that refer to 1.6.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks Mark,

Your answer seems to be closing in on an actual solution. I have always kept the Java preference.app disabled (unticked), and kept Java Disabled in my Browsers.

What would be terrific is if someone could direct me to the source of the correct Terminal Commands to remove the JDK's. (I would be tempted to remove them manually but they have so many different 'nicknames' you'd have to be related to know what they are, and it would be like picking nits of a herd of sheep.)

In any case, it's the Terminal Commands, appropriate to Snow Leopard 10.6.8, that I'm after. I have spent countless hours on fruitless searches for them, and not even Sun, or whoever they are now, seem to be willing to divulge them. They offer:

"

sudo rm -fr /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin"  but it's only for version 7 on Lion, deleting ALL Javaand requiring the reinstallation of the latest version.

In fact they contradict themselves somewhat, saying that: "Keeping old versions of Java on your system presents a serious security risk. However, some Java applications (or applets) can indicate that they are dependent on a particular (insecure) version, and may not run if you do not have that (insecure) version installed." They then tell you to go and sort it out with the software developer yourself. I' glad these chaps don't make medical equipment or brakes since they seem to have little interest in security.

I would be grateful to anyone who could let me know where the Snow Leopard Terminal Commands to remove Old versions of JAVA (JDK's), can be found.

Thanks in advance.

Mark - I just noticed in your message "...for go attempting to remove the JDK's with Terminal Commands." I read that as to disable Java before removing the JDK's with Terminal Commands." But did you mean, "forgo", as in "refrain from"?