Do I need these add-ons,plug-ins, updates?

15 years ago

Doing some general computer upkeep - updating and running spyware and antivirus programs, defragging, etc., and I have questions about some of the stuff on our computers and whether I need it or can delete it.

Firefox add-ons,plugins:

do I need Java Console, Java Quick starter, and Microsoft .Net Framework ASsistant? I don't know what these are or how they got added. I'm guessing they were installed along with Java updates or Windows .net frame updates, when I didn't question just clicking yes to whatever they asked.

At one time I got the Firefox add-on Open IT Online. It must have been recommended by someone (likely on this forum) - but I don't use it and am not sure if I should be using it. Does anyone know this add-on and whether it's one I should utilize?Updating my husband's Vista laptop and ran Secunia. It suggested updates for Adobe Air (what is that and can it/should it be removed from his computer altogether) and Acrobat Reader. I thought I had removed Acrobat Reader when I installed pdfx viewer - but I'm guessing some remnant was left (or my husband inadvertently clicked yes to installing reader while he was opening a pdf file). Anyway - before I realized what I was doing, I clicked update reader (which took a long, long time) bc. I thought I was clicking for updating Adobe Flash player. If he does in fact have pdfx viewer, can I just remove the Adobe Acrobat Reader? Are there sometimes remnants left that require more removal?

My husband primarily uses Internet Explorer and he only has IE7. Should I install IE 8 for him? If so, where should I get it from since it doesn't come up when I do Windows Update?

I have a feeling there were other things, but for now this is all I recall.

Thank you.

Lynn.

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Comments (9)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
the first ones you mentioned yes they get installed when you do updates of those programs like java. and MS is guilty of the .Net one you can google that and find some info there.

I have open it online use it on occasion but if you do not use it then you can remove. Maybe if you go to the page for it you will remember it's benefits and why you got it.

If you have removed Adobe Acrobat Reader you can remove Air also from what I remember. I think it is needed for some types of applications to function properly, similar to flash. If an app you use needs it you will probably get a pop up saying it is needed.

you can have more than one pdf reader but you would need to set which is default to be used, or yes you can remove Adobe Acrobat reader I have removed it from all of mine and use only pdf xchange.

IE8 is now a much more ready to use than it was early on so sure you can update it and it is more secure.
Internet Explorer 8: Worldwide sites
lynnalexandra
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks, Raven. That's very helpful. I did look at the page for Open It Online and that didn't leave me sure of when I would use it. My guess is I saw it recommended somewhere and never comprehended even then how and when I'd use it. I think I'll delete it for now.

Can I remove the .net plug in on Firefox - or do I need it?

I'm going to remove Acrobat REader and Air from my husband's computer and get him IE8.

Thank you.
Lynn.
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
that .net mess that was added in to firefox by a windows update has caused much uproar, who gave MS the right to add anything to a browser we put on our pc and has no MS product in it. They have also made it very difficult to get rid of it.
Step by Step Guide in Removing .NET Framework Assistant in Firefox

that is why I suggested googling it so you can get an idea of where it came from and what it is all about.

Remove the Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant (ClickOnce) Firefox Extension
lynnalexandra
Original Author
15 years ago
Raven - I looked at those links - it's pretty aggravating that MS would install this nonsense. I got scared with the instructions about only proceeding if you're comfortable in the registry. I have never touched the registry - and have learned to fear that - but do you think I can safely do this if I follow the instructions to a "t" - or should I forget those steps for the registry editor. I don't even know how to backup the registry. Is there any benefit to untinstalling in Firefox without the registry steps?

Thank you.
Lynn.
kudzu9
15 years ago
Given your skill level I'd recommend leaving the registry alone. I think a good compromise is to just use the disable button for Framework Assistant when you open the add-on window in Firefox.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
If you have the version of it that will allow you to use the disable or remove button from firefox do that but unfortunately those with the old version of this pest do not have that option as the buttons are gray and have to do the registry hack. If you do not feel comfortable in the registry then by all means don't mess with it.

Really MS should be ashamed to have done that kind of thing with out any warning or notice and with out an easy way out of it.

supposedly for those with that older gray out version this update by MS fixes that so you can at least disable it.
Update to .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 for the .NET Framework Assistant 1.0 for Firefox

so if your versions already show the disable or uninstall available do that if not then you might consider that MS update to fix it. Totally up to you.
lynnalexandra
Original Author
15 years ago
I am fortunate bc. my version does still have the uninstall button - so I uninstalled it. (I still have to check the other household computers, but my desktop gets everything first - firefox, updates, so if I had the newer version the other computers probably do too. If not, I'll try the MS fix that Raven suggested).

Thank you.
Lynn.
kudzu9
15 years ago
lynn-

Check your add-ons again. Sometimes the uninstall still leaves an older version in place. If the uninstall is grayed out, but the disable button isn't, I recommend you hit disable as well
lynnalexandra
Original Author
15 years ago
Kudzu - thank you for the advice. I did go back and check - and I am lucky to have had the entire add-ons removed - no sign of it.

Lynn.

Do I need these add-ons,plug-ins, updates?

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ravencajun Zone 8b TX

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Do I need these add-ons,plug-ins, updates?

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ravencajun Zone 8b TX

lynnalexandraOriginal Author

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ravencajun Zone 8b TX

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