Java scare

"Download Java" is bad advice, at least for the time being, experts say. A security flaw in version 7 of the widely used program could allow bad guys to access your computer without your knowledge.

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That's not good advice at the moment, say the experts. Wait until the security fix has been confirmed

Click button to listen to java and rightclick to download

Java scare

If you have the widely used Java program on your computer, disable or uninstall it – this, according to a warning issued by the US Department of Homeland Security.

Researchers have discovered "a serious vulnerability" that could allow hackers and malware writers (bad guys) to install malicious software on your computer.

The malware could allow them to acquire personal information, which in turn could lead to identity theft.

More than 850 million PCs around the world use Java, and could be at risk.

Java was responsible for 50 percent of all cyber attacks last year in which hackers broke into computers by exploiting software bugs, according to Kaspersky, the internet security company.

Oracle, which owns and maintains Java, said it appears the vulnerability exists only in Java 7 – which is what most users have.

Oracle said it is working on a fix, and it will be available "shortly".

Java is free and easily installed on any computer at Java.com. The program is popular because it lets developers create websites in code that can be accessed regardless of a computer's operating system.

Here is what I see after clicking on "Do I have Java?" My computer says I have version six, so apparently I don't have a problem. I won't be downloading an update for some until I am sure the problem is completely fixed.

To find out whether you have Java and, if you do, which version you have, go to the Java website: http://www.java.com/en/. Click on "Do I have Java?".

You will also notice that Oracle has just released Java 7 Update 11. This addresses the security flaws, but it is not yet clear if it completely fixes them. Some experts say that it doesn't.

Many websites now have information on how to disable Java – uninstalling it is probably unnecessary. One of the easiest to understand can be found here: http://gizmodo.com/5975475/how-to-disable-java-in-your-browser

Adapted from a story on bangkokpost.com with additional information from this morning's agency reports.

advice – an opinion or a suggestion about what somebody should do in a particular situation  คำแนะนำ
at the moment – at this time; now ขณะนี้, ตอนนี้, เวลานี้
expert – someone who has a particular skill or who knows a lot about a particular subject ผู้เชี่ยวชาญ
security – protection; systems providing for safety from attack, harm, or damage ระบบรักษาความปลอดภัย
fix – a solution to a problem, especially an easy or temporary one การแก้ปัญหา
scare – a situation that makes people suddenly feel worried or frightened about something ความหวาดกลัว, ความตื่นตระหนก
warning – an action or statement telling someone of a possible problem or danger การเตือน
disable – to make something unable to work so that it cannot be used ทำให้ไร้ความสามารถ
issue – to officially announce or give out  ออก, ออกประกาศ, ออกคำสั่ง
researcher – a person who carriers out a careful study of a subject, especially in order to discover new facts or information about it นักวิจัย
vulnerability – a weakness; a weakness that makes someone/something easy to attack  ความอ่อนแอ, ข้อบกพร่อง
hacker – a person who secretly finds a way of looking at and/or changing information on somebody else's computer system without permission  ผู้ที่มีความชำนาญในการใช้คอมพิวเตอร์ไปในทางที่ผิดกฎหมาย เช่น แอบขโมยข้อมูลจากคอมพิวเตอร์ในเครือข่าย
malware – software such as a virus that is designed to damage,  destroy or steal information on a computer รูปแบบหนึ่งของโปรแกรมคอมพิวเตอร์ ที่ถูกออกแบบมาด้วยจุดประสงค์แอบแฝงบางอย่าง
malicious – having or showing hatred and a desire to harm somebody or hurt their feelings มุ่งร้าย, ปองร้าย, ประสงค์ร้าย
acquire – to get; to obtain ได้มาซึ่ง
identity theft – when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission, often pretending to be you
at risk – in danger ตกอยู่ในความเสี่ยง
responsible for – to cause something to happen ก่อให้เกิด
cyber – connected with electronic communication networks, especially the Internet  ไซเบอร์, คำนำหน้าหมายถึงคอมพิวเตอร์
exploit – to use for your own benefit หาประโยชน์จาก
bug – a fault in a machine, especially in a computer system or program ความบกพร่อง, ข้อผิดพลาด
maintain – to keep something in good condition by checking or repairing it regularly ซ่อมบำรุง
popular – a situation in which someone or something is liked by many people เป็นที่นิยม, เป็นที่ชื่นชอบ
code – a system of computer programming instructions โปรแกรมคอมพิวเตอร์
access – to enter or use  เข้าสู่
regardless of – without being affected or influenced by anything else that happens or exists โดยไม่คำนึงถึง
operating system – a set of programs that controls the way a computer works and runs other programs ระบบปฏิบัติการซึ่งควบคุมการทำงานของคอมพิวเตอร์
address – to deal with a problem จัดการปัญหา
flaw – a fault; something wrong with something ข้อบกพร่อง