Java Java it likes me

Periodically I get bugged by a Java update. I have no idea what Java does anymore so whenever I receive an update the knee-jerk reaction is to go along with it and go through the update process.

I mean, what could happen if I don't? Presumably this is just another of those bits of legacy software on my computer that has security issues and if I don't update it when they demand that I do then my machine is going to catch a very nasty bug or topple over because a vital bit is no longer up to date. Right?

Well. Not necessarily. 

Every time Java wants to update it uses that nasty little trick of making you opt out of installing an Ask toolbar. I don't want an Ask toolbar. It is a bit of meaningless clutter that gets in the way of me using Google. But every time Java forces you to update it the Ask toolbar is there ready to be installed unless you actively opt out. The problem is you probably have a life and, as a result, are doing other things. More important things. While you are going through another uninvited and tedious update of a bit of software that you don't understand the purpose of you can easily overlook the task of un-clicking a radio button and you have another bit of trash installed on your machine.

I can do without this!

The latest 'update' to Java has appeared, and do you know what I did?

I uninstalled it. 

Hopefully this will bring the irritating updates to an end and nothing untoward will happen to my machine.

If it does this is probably my last blog for a while.

If it doesn't it will be business as usual and I have just saved myself from another computer-related irritation.

Watch this space...