I don’t like Java very much. Desktop programs written in it tend to have horrid user interfaces, and the history of browser-based exploits mean I refuse to use any website which wants to run a Java applet. Java is one part of my ‘unholy trinity’ of programs – Flash, Java, Adobe Reader – to try to avoid installing on your computer.

The most recent update to Java on the Mac brings ‘feature parity’ with the Windows release in a most unfortunate manner – the installer now offers to install the ask.com browser toolbar, and reset your browser homepage. Stay classy, Oracle.

Thankfully most Mac science software (e.g. ImageJ or TopCAT) which requires Java does not require the Oracle package, but instead asks for Apple’s Java 6 package, which can be installed automatically the first time you run a program which asks for it, and does not include a browser plugin.

In summary, if you have a problem which you think can be solved by installing Java on your computer, you’re wrong – you’re just adding one more problem to the pile!