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Java Information

Here is your one-stop shop for all things Java at UCSC:

What's the big deal about Java? - Java is constantly being updated, sometimes twice in a week. The older versions can be targeted by hackers since they could have known vulnerabilities. Removing them and installing the most current version is our goal. Only clients using campus business systems that require Java need it. Most of UCSC clients don't need Java (which is a good thing).

What are the campus business systems doing about Java? - Business systems with Java, like FIS, FAMIS and ADFS, have support people to help their clients. Their clients should contact them first. However, sometimes the clients contact ITS Techs instead. This is why it's good to know about Java and its options. The Depot, who monitors changes in Java and its new versions, always contacts the business systems to make them aware of what's going on. 

What's IEM/TEM/BigFix doing with Java? - The Depot is uninstalling all but the latest version on client machines that need Java. This means if they have 10 versions of Java, all but the latest one will be removed. If a client has Java 5 update 10, Java 6 update 11 and Java 7 update 55 installed, then only Java 7 update 55 will remain. The Depot started testing this in July 2014 on ITS computers and will roll it out to the campus in fall 2014. The goal is to have only the most recent and most secure version of Java on the campus clients that need it for business systems.

How can I remove Java from a client's computer? - If they don't connect to any business systems that need Java, you can manually remove it.

Windows - use the uninstall function in the Programs control panel

Mac - Put in a ticket for the Depot to remove Java 6. You can remove Java 7 by deleting the following files:

  1. /Library/Internet Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin
  2. /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist
  3. /Library/PreferencePanes/JavaControlPanel.prefPane

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