What do I need to know about this Java issue everyone's talking about?

[Ender Shadow]

I would like to remove Java, but like Soul-Sing said, Minecraft uses Java as it's game engine. Hopefully this issue with Java will convince Mojang to use something other than Java.

[Hungry Man]

Mojang won't stop using Java. But I suggest you disable the Java web plugin in your browser.

[Ms. Daisy]

My question is as Ubuntu users, is there something specific we should do prevent any damage to our computers?

There's no good answer unless you don't need Java, in which case it's simple: totally uninstall Java and the browser plugins. Then run away screaming.

If you need Java then unplug it from the browsers and only enable it when you absolutely need it.

[MyTinFoilHat]

There's no good answer unless you don't need Java, in which case it's simple: totally uninstall Java and the browser plugins. Then run away screaming.

If you need Java then unplug it from the browsers and only enable it when you absolutely need it.

This (along with a few other responses) really clarified things for me. I'm sure you can appreciate that someone less familiar, who understands there's a potential security issue related to a java-something, wants to minimize their risk of exposure. For now, I've removed (and purged) Java via Synaptic and disabled Firefox's java capabilities. Unforunately, doing that seems to goof up my ability to create new posts on (for example) Identi.ca. ...Nothing that can't be worked around, I suppose. TYVM!

[Soul-Sing]

Then use Quickjava. A firefox add-on. You'r able to block/unblock java and javascript with a click.

[palloy]

My situation is similar to the original questioner.
Update was saying it wanted to update OpenJDK, so I went into Software Centre and removed it. It is now not flagged as installed. I unchecked the updates, and re-checked for updates, and they were still required. Rebooted. Update still wants to update openJDK. Software Centre says I haven't got it installed.

What next ?

[Ms. Daisy]

If you want it entirely removed from your computer then type

sudo apt-get remove --purge openJDK

[palloy]

That gave: "E: Unable to locate package openJDK", but it must have cleaned up some loose ends because Update is now clear. Thanks.