If you run Windows, click the start button, Control Panel, and search "Java". If you have it installed, it will appear. Or just look around the Control Panel listings, you'll probably see it listed. The easiest way to fix it is just going to the Java website and downloading the newest version. It's free and has the security hole plugged. After the new Java is installed, uninstall any old versions using "Programs and Features", also located in the Control Panel. You do have to know which version of Windows you run (64 or 32 bit?) before you know which Java to download- go to Start, Computer, System Properties.

security professionals and home land security are still recommending the removal/fully disable of java since there's still vulnerabilities with it, if you must use it do so very carefully and on a site by site basis. Only have the latest java version on your PC. Firefox has disabled java plugin in their browser. I personally have removed it from my computers that had it, the newest never had it installed. These recommendations are not from me personally they are from home land security and the security professionals. I add this disclaimer because unfortunately it has become necessary to do so here. http://www.slashgear.com/homeland-security-still-warns-against-java-use-despite-fix-14265254/ For details there's an abundance of information online. Be aware that there's also now malware that masquerades as a java patch. Be absolutely certain to only get the patches and updates directly from Adobe. oops sorry meant oracle java site. http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp Here is a link that might be useful: malware as java patch This post was edited by ravencajun on Sun, Jan 27, 13 at 20:13

These are the instructions I give to avoid confusion Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment from link below and save it to your desktop. Â Look for "Java Runtime Environment (JRE)" JRE 6 Update 12. Â Click the Download button to the right. Â Select your Platform: "Windows". Â Select your Language: "Multi-language". Â Read the License Agreement, and then check the box that says: "Accept License Agreement". Â Click ]Continue and the page will refresh. Â Under Required Files, check the box for Windows Offline Installation, click the link below it and save the file to your desktop. Â Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel, double-click on Add/Remove Programs and remove all older versions of Java. Â Check (highlight)any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name. Â Click the Remove or Change/Remove button and follow the onscreen instructions for the Java uninstaller. Â Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions. Â Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed. Â Then from your desktop double-click on jre-6u12-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version. If using Windows Vista and the installer refuses to launch due to insufficient user permissions, then Run As Administrator.[/color] -- If you choose to update via the Java applet in Control Panel, uncheck the option to install the Toolbar unless you want it. The uninstaller incorporated in this release removes previous Updates 10 and above, but does not remove older versions, so they still need to be removed manually. Note: The Java Quick Starter (JQS.exe) adds a service to improve the initial startup time of Java applets and applications. To disable the JQS service if you don't want to use it, go to Start > Control Panel > Java > Advanced > Miscellaneous and uncheck the box for Java Quick Starter click Ok and reboot your computer. Here is a link that might be useful: java

Thank you Raven. I keep getting the pop-up (Quick Start) even though I clicked allow. I also get a pop-up about Java binary wants to connect to the internet. I read the link but wonder if it is worth keeping? This is very annoying since I updated and I'm not sure what to do. Jane