Apple's latest Java update requires you periodically enable the Java plug-in manually. Here is how this works in OS X.

Although Java initially was hailed in the mid-1990s as a way to run client-side applets, the platform instead became known for its server-side capabilities.

If you do need it, unplug it from the browser unless and until you need it. Java 7 lets users disable Java content in web browsers through the Java control panel applet.

The US government is recommending that you update to the latest version of Java, but also make sure to disable the browser plugin.

Java’s rapid rise to fame 20 years ago began with a tumbling duke applet running in the HotJava browser, long before Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome were released.

A Java update for Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7 sets Java applets to not run automatically on all browsers, expanding a feature that was first introduced to Safari in April.

For now, businesses that rely on Java browser plugins can continue using them in compatible browsers. But Oracle has a white paper with details about migrating from Java Applets to plugin-free ...