Is it safe to play Runescape on my Macbook pro? Runescape is an online game that is run through Java, and I am afraid that downloading Java will harm my Macbook Pro. Is it safe to download Java and play Runescape?

The game has been around since 2001. If you don't see any banners or advertisements when you get to the game site, then yes, as long as your Java and Flash are up to date, and you don't use Peer2peer software you should be safe. If there are advertisements, don't click on any of them. Quit the browser before you attempt to click on any.

Hi Dgyoung,

The rule of thumb is, if you're getting a client that directly from the developer (In this case you are, it's just Jagex thought to monetize via ads), you're fine. Sure, Java and Mac don't play nice, but from a security standpoint you're fine.

As said before, you get in trouble when you go on clicking stuff that you don't know where it goes. That's where you get into vulnerabilities.

One last thing - whenever you connect to the internet, there's ALWAYS a chance to get hacked. HOWEVER, if you simply play the game, and don't make yourself obnoxious on a fan forum or something and remain anonymous, you're most likely to not be bothered.

As an alternative, you can always sandbox an instance using Parallels or another like software. Then, if you do get a nasty bug, it's the sandbox that gets it, and not your main system.

Happy gaming!