Java is a popular programming language that is used to run a variety of software applications and programs. The beauty of Java, is that it allows software developers to write programs that can be run on a variety of Operating Systems, including Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. Java has come under fire in recent years as being not very secure. Most of the reported issues, however, are with the browser add-on (used to run applets) and don’t affect desktop applications (see my blog post titled: How does Java Security Flaw affect Desktop Applications, for more information). Having said that, Java, like any other software, receives periodic updates to fix potential security and other issues, and so it is important to keep your Java version up to date.
Over the years, Java has made it easier to keep its software updated, and in this article I will give instructions on how to check if your Java version is up to date, how to update it, and how to get it to automatically check for updates, on both Windows and Mac OS X. These functions are controlled using the Java Control Panel. To access the Java Control Panel, on Windows or Mac OS X, following the instructions below.
Windows
To access the Java Control Panel, and update Java, in Windows, execute the following:
1. Open Control Panel
2. Click on Programs:
3. Click on Java
This will display the Java Control Panel:
4. Click on the Update tab, and then click on Update Now. If there is an update available, follow the instructions to complete the installation of the update.
You should also make sure that Check for Update Automatically, has been checked, so Java will check for updates automatically. If you want to see what version(s) of Java you currently have on your computer, you can click on the Java tab, and then click on View…
Mac OS X
To access the Java Control Panel, and update Java, on Mac OS X, execute the following:
1. Open System Preferences
2. Click on Java
3. Wait for the Java Control Panel to Open.
4. Click on the Update tab, and then click on Update Now.
5. If there is an update available, follow the instructions to complete the installation of the update.
You should also make sure that Check for Update Automatically, has been checked, so Java will check for updates automatically. If you want to see what version(s) of Java you currently have on your computer, you can click on the Java tab, and then click on View…
Java releases updates approximate every 3 months (Java 8 u65 was released October 20, 2015), and so if you haven’t checked if your Java is up to date for a while, it would be a good idea to check it now.
I am Victor Ewert, an Independent Software Developer and owner of Ewert Technologies. In the past I have worked as a Software Tester including working on Software Test automation.
My current technology interests include Java, JavaFX, Kotlin, Swift, Privacy and Security, and Mobile App development.
